100% Focus

Congratulations on passing your driving test! While you’re now officially a licensed driver, the journey to becoming a skilled and safe driver is just beginning. Many new drivers encounter common crashes and incidents as they gain experience. Understanding the new driver most common crashes and how to avoid them can help you stay safe on the road. Here’s a guide to the typical mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Failing to Check the Car in Front

One of the most frequent mistakes new drivers make is not checking the car directly in front of them. For instance, you might be at a roundabout, look to the right, and see it’s clear. You proceed to pull out, only to collide with the car that had stopped directly in front of you. This often happens because new drivers focus too much on what’s coming from the side rather than ensuring the vehicle in front is moving as expected. Always check that the car in front is in motion or clear before proceeding, even if you think it should be moving.

2. Misjudging Roundabouts

Roundabouts can be tricky for new drivers. A common issue is entering a roundabout without properly judging the speed and distance of other vehicles. New drivers may see a gap and try to enter the roundabout too quickly, resulting in collisions with vehicles already on the roundabout. When approaching a roundabout, assess the traffic flow and ensure you have a safe gap to enter. Remember, vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.

3. Inadequate Observation at Junctions

At junctions, especially those without traffic lights, new drivers often make the mistake of focusing solely on one direction—typically the direction from which they expect traffic to come. This oversight can lead to crashes when they fail to notice the vehicle directly in front of them stopping or slowing down. Always check both the direction you’re pulling into and the car in front of you before proceeding.

4. Overlooking Blind Spots

New drivers may neglect to check their blind spots, particularly when changing lanes or merging onto highways. This can result in side collisions or near-misses. Ensure you always check your mirrors and blind spots by physically turning your head before making lane changes or merges. This simple check can prevent many accidents.

5. Improper Use of Mirrors

Mirrors are crucial for safe driving, but new drivers often fail to use them effectively. They may not check their mirrors frequently or may rely too heavily on them without looking over their shoulder. Make it a habit to use your mirrors frequently and in combination with head checks to get a complete picture of your surroundings.

6. Speeding and Inadequate Braking

Another common issue is speeding, particularly in conditions where it’s important to slow down, such as in rain or on slippery roads. New drivers might also struggle with braking appropriately for various conditions. Always adjust your speed to match road conditions and be prepared to brake smoothly and in advance of any potential hazards.

7. Inconsistent Lane Discipline

Maintaining lane discipline is crucial, but new drivers might weave between lanes or fail to stay within their lane, especially on multi-lane roads. This can lead to side-swiping other vehicles or causing confusion for other drivers. Stick to your lane and make lane changes only when necessary, ensuring you signal and check your mirrors thoroughly.

Final Thoughts: Learning from Experience

Understanding the new driver most common crashes and learning from these potential pitfalls can help you become a more confident and safe driver. As you gain more experience, you’ll develop better judgment and skills to avoid these common mistakes. Stay vigilant, practice safe driving habits, and remember that every driver was once a new driver. Your focus on learning and improvement will help you navigate the road safely and effectively.