Tips for young and new drivers…

Learning to drive is an exciting time in the life of any young person. The freedom and independence which comes from getting behind the wheel is hard to match. New possibilities are suddenly available to you, with reliance on public transport and the help of mum and dad a thing of the past.

Just as with any new responsibilities though, there are also other factors which should be taken into account. Arguably the most important of all is the need to remain safe on the road. One of the biggest challenges comes in the form of distractions.

There are currently 2.97 million young people aged 17-24 in the UK who possess a full license. And while that figure is the lowest on record (down from 3.32m in 2020), it still represents a healthy chunk of the British population.

You may be excited to hit the road, but it’s important to remain focused as well. According to Brake, as many as one in five new drivers will crash within a year of taking their test. What’s more, 1,500 young drivers are injured or killed on British roads every year. The World Health Organisation would go as far as to highlight that road accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged between 5-29.

Research carried out by the Government would go on to highlight why the accident rates were higher amongst younger drivers compared to those with more experience.

Speeding is one of the primary reasons for a higher accident rate, with police records showing some of the most common causes of an accident for a young person to be:

* Careless or reckless driving – 18.8% (of all incidents)
* Travelling too fast for the conditions – 10.7%
* Exceeding the speed limit – 8.4%

Ultimately, 57% of young drivers said they would travel at the highest speed possible while they drove, while just 37% of drivers above the age of 25 would do the same.

While distractions are definitely not something to be taken lightly, the good news is that they can be combated. No matter what type of distraction you find yourself experiencing, there are steps to take to ensure they have less of an impact on your drive. These include:

* Don’t drive when tired. When we’re tired, all of our senses are dulled. That means reaction speeds decrease and cognitive thinking is impaired. As many as 10-20% of worldwide crashes are thought to be as a result of fatigue. Don’t set out if you find yourself feeling drowsy and be sure to pull over and rest for a bit if you begin to feel that way once you’ve already started your journey.

* Don’t eat and drive. Try to eat before you leave, park up in the middle of your journey, or plan to have food when you arrive at your final destination. While it’s a timesaver to eat on the go, it’s not worth the risk of removing one, or both of your hands from the wheel.

* Mobile phones in emergencies only. Make a point of only using a mobile phone in the case of an absolute emergency. Tell yourself before you head out that you won’t be checking the phone until you get to your destination – or are at least parked safely somewhere with the engine off. Remember, using your phone when you drive is illegal, and is never advised.

* Clear out clutter. Driving with a vehicle full of rubbish can be a distraction in itself. Items will roll around, and you’re unlikely to feel particularly calm in an environment which is messy. Princeton University recently highlighted how a cluttered environment can cause you to lose focus, and even wears out your cognitive function over time. A good remedy for this is to make sure you regularly clear out your car. A tidy car makes for a calm, cool and collected state of mind.

* Limit your passengers. If you don’t feel comfortable driving with a full car (whether because of confidence or as a result of feeling distracted), politely tell your friends and family that you have a limit for the number of people you can take. If you clearly lay out your reasons as to why they’ll most likely be understanding and happy to accommodate you. Learn to be a good passenger yourself too and set the right example when you travel in your friends’ cars.

* Never rush. Being late for something isn’t ideal, but it’s better than being involved in an accident because of speeding or reckless driving. Drive as you would normally, even if you have a tight appointment that you’re trying to keep.

* Understand and eliminate common distractions. One of the best ways to cut out distractions is to identify and overcome them before they have the potential to cause an issue. Do some self-reflection and work out what types of issues you most often fall victim to.

* Make sure you have the right insurance. Having the right kind of car insurance can take a huge weight off your mind. This could help to reduce anxiety, which in turn is likely to improve your overall driving performance. Make sure to browse affordable insurance premiums for younger drivers.

To read the full guide, go to: https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/safety-guide-for-responsible-young-drivers/