Ways To Stay Safe in Driving Schools

It’s no secret that Seattle driving schools are some of the best in the country. Accidents can still happen, even with the best instruction.

It’s beneficial to know how to stay safe while behind the wheel, whether in driving school or on your way to passing your road test. Let’s discuss ten ways to make sure you stay safe while learning to drive:

10 Ways to Stay Safe in Seattle Driving Schools

As a student driver, it’s beneficial to know how to stay safe on the road in dangerous conditions. Here are ten tips to help you out:

1. Driving under the influence is illegal and incredibly dangerous. If you’re going to be drinking, make sure to designate a sober driver in advance. If you’re taking medication, even over-the-counter drugs, be sure to check the labels for any warnings about driving.
2. Seatbelts are required by law for a reason, they can save lives. Always buckle up, even if you’re just going for a short drive. It only takes a few seconds to click it into place. In addition to wearing your seatbelt, make sure all passengers in the car are buckled up. It’s your responsibility as the driver to make sure everyone in the car is following safety guidelines.
3. Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents, so it’s beneficial to always obey the posted speed limit. This is especially true in school zones and residential areas where there are likely to be pedestrians present.

You may sometimes find yourself in a situation where you need to exceed the speed limit. Use your best judgment and proceed with caution. Never exceed the speed limit by more than 5 miles per hour, as this puts you at risk of getting a speeding ticket.

4. Tailgating, or following too closely behind the car in front of you, is dangerous and can lead to accidents. Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you, especially if you’re driving in bad weather or on a busy road.

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least two seconds between you and the car in front of you. This may seem like a lot, but it gives you enough time to react if the car in front of you needs to brake suddenly.

You should be aware of the cars around you. If someone is tailgating you, don’t take it personally, just give them plenty of space and let them pass when it’s safe to do so.

5. This one seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to use their turn signals. Always let other drivers know when you’re turning or changing lanes by using your turn signals.

Using your turn signals gives other drivers time to react and prevents accidents. It’s a simple way to stay safe on the road.

6. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. You will need to stay focused while you’re behind the wheel. This means no texting, no talking on the phone, and no fiddling with the radio.

If you need to do any of these things, pull over to a safe location first. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others just to send a quick text.

Be on the lookout for other potential distractions. Eating, talking to passengers, and rubbernecking are all common distractions that can take your attention away from the road.

7. Before you change lanes or make a turn, always check your blind spots. This is beneficial when driving a larger vehicle, as your blind spots are likely to be larger.

Never assume that other drivers will see you, even if you’re using your turn signals. Check your blind spots to be sure it’s safe to change lanes or make a turn.

8. Pedestrians have the right of way, so always yield to them when they’re crossing the street. Sometimes pedestrians can be unpredictable. If you see a pedestrian walking or running into the street, use your best judgment and proceed with caution.

Never assume that a pedestrian will yield to you, be prepared to stop if necessary.

9. Make sure to come to a complete stop before proceeding. This is different than just slowing down.

Rolling through stop signs is against the law. You could get pulled over and ticketed if you’re caught doing this. If you’re unsure of what to do at a four-way stop, yield to the car that arrived first. If two cars arrive at the same time, yield to the car on your right.

10. Bad weather can make driving conditions more difficult, so make sure to use extra caution when driving in the rain, snow, or ice. Allow more following distance between you and the car in front of you, as it will take longer to stop on wet or slippery roads.

You should take it slow when driving in bad weather. There’s no need to rush. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the many ways you can stay safe while driving. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to passing your road test and becoming a safe, responsible driver. Check out Seattle driving schools for help to become a safe driver and relieve driving anxiety.

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