Becoming a Safer New Driver

If you're new to driving, being behind the wheel can be intimidating.

Canada's roads are more congested than ever before, there are more drivers and more vehicles on the road, and everyone seems to be rushing to get where they are going. This is why CAA wants to make sure that you — as one of the next generation of Canadian drivers — understand the impact of driver distractions, and work to reduce their effects.

Every driver is exposed to the many distractions that exist inside and outside their vehicle. As a new driver, when driving is already a complicated task to learn to manage, you can be even more vulnerable to distraction. Above all, it's important to remember that driving requires your full attention and your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

It's important to know that at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour, you will travel 14 metres in one second. That split second it takes to change a CD or sip your coffee is just long enough to miss a car pulling out from a side road, or see the traffic light change. It's not a lot of time, but it is enough to change the rest of your life, and the lives of the people around you.

The first step to becoming a safer new driver is to understanding what driver distractions are and learning good driving habits.

Putting that knowledge to work is the second step.

There are many ways that you, as a new driver, can reduce the impact of distractions around you. By doing so, you are ensuring your own safety, and that of your passengers and fellow road users.

• Ensure you're not tempted to answer or make a call; turn your cell phone off before you start your car. Read more.
• Budget extra time to travel to your destination, especially if you are uncertain of your route.
• Turn the radio off when travelling unfamiliar routes.
• If you do listen to music, make sure the volume is low enough that you don't get distracted by the lyrics. Loud music also blocks out the sounds of emergency vehicles that may be trying to get around you.
• As much as possible, drive during non-rush hour times to get used to the roads without the added stress of congestion.
• Drive at a speed that is comfortable for you, even if it is slightly below the posted speed limit. Don't let other drivers bully you into driving faster, and don't let them be a distraction.
• Familiarize yourself with the tools on your dashboard before you start your engine. Know where the temperature gauge, radio, etc. are located so you aren't distracted by looking where they are located while driving.
• If you have friends in the car, ask them to keep conversation light and to a minimum. Your first responsibility is to get them to their destination safely!