5 Common New Driver Mistakes

Receiving your driver’s license can be an exciting time for any new driver.  However, many new drivers fail to have the experience necessary to avoid life-threatening accidents. Accidents involving young and reckless new drivers are often severe or fatal. Following are five common deadly mistakes made by new drivers:

Mistake #1. Speeding

Speeding is the most common mistake a young new driver makes. Inexperienced drivers often drive without paying attention to the speed they are going. They often exceed the limit without knowing they are driving dangerously fast. Others may allow their new excitement to cloud their judgment. Compounding the danger, new drivers find it difficult to determine how long it will take to bring the car to a stop at various speeds.

Mistake #2: Texting and Driving

Most new drivers fail to realize the importance of keeping their eyes on the road. This is especially prevalent in a world surrounded by technology, smartphones, social media, and text messaging. A glance at your phone can be enough to have deadly consequences. At 55mph, it would take only five seconds to cross an entire football field. A five-second text could very easily cost you and others their life. 

Mistake #3: Other Distracted Driving

Texting isn’t the only form of distraction for new drivers. Eating food, talking to passengers, or changing the radio are a few other examples of distractions that can lead to a serious or fatal accident. New drivers should pay close attention to their surroundings, especially when making turns, changing lanes, or approaching intersections. 

Mistake #4: Following Too Closely

“Tailgating” is a term used to describe a vehicle following too closely to another. When the leading car comes to a stop, it is difficult for the following vehicle to react with enough speed to prevent an accident. Keeping a respectable distance can help buy a driver more time to stop in the event of an unforeseen stop. A general rule of thumb is to remain one car’s length apart for every ten mph of speed. It may not always be possible to keep this distance, but it’s essential to keep as much space as possible between you and the car in front of you.

Mistake #5: Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Not only is it illegal to drive without wearing a seat belt, wearing a seat belt may save your life in a severe accident. According to the CDC, seat belts reduce the risk of death and serious injury by about 45-50%. Additionally, passengers who do not wear a seat belt are at increased risk of being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. So, buckle up!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a new driver, we can help. Contact Saladino & Schaaf today or call us at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY) to schedule a free case review. You may be entitled to a settlement for your injuries, but you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal action.