8 Common Mistakes New Drivers Make Right After Getting Their License
Getting your drivers license is a rite of passage and an exciting time in everyone’s life. However, there are a few common mistakes new drivers always make.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing and life is slowly going back to normal, more new drivers are now able to get their driver’s license. For many of these new drivers, the excitement this freedom brings often outweighs their desire to be mindful of
with a bit of self-awareness and mindfulness. These are the eight common mistakes new drivers make after getting their license—and how you or the new driver in your life can avoid them
#1 Not tracking driving speeds
New drivers may find themselves so engrossed in driving that they forget to look out for speed limit signs or stop watching their speedometer. Both of these mistakes can lead to expensive speeding tickets, not to mention endangering the lives of others on the road.
It can be tough to learn and remember the dimensions of a vehicle when first hitting the road, but understanding the length and size of your car relative to other vehicles on the road is vital to ensure you’re driving safely and keeping a proper distance between yourself and other motorists.
#3 Driving distracted
You’ve probably heard this refrain everywhere, but it bears repeating: driving while talking on the phone, texting, or messing with the radio is extremely dangerous. The less mindful you are of how you’re driving and who is on the road around you, the more likely you are to cause an accident and possibly harm yourself or someone else.
We’ve all been there—you’re approaching a yellow light and you think, “I can make it!” Then you can’t stop in time and end up whizzing through the intersection after the light turns red. If you get caught running a red light, there’s a good chance your insurance rates will go up; you’ll get points added to your license and your rate usually tries as a result.
The good news is that not all insurance companies treat traffic violations the same, so shopping around can help you save money, even after making this mistake.
#5 Ignoring the weather
Sure, you might think you can drive safely when it’s pouring rain or snow, but it’s often better to be overly cautious and stay home when the weather is bad than to risk the safety of yourself and others by hitting the road when you’re not sure.
Unless it’s an emergency, stay off the roads during inclement weather until you have a few months of driving experience under your belt. Then you can easily and safely navigate the road while paying attention to the weather and all the other conditions that go into operating a vehicle.
#6 Driving while intoxicated
Getting a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated/impaired) ticket is a serious offense, and can often seriously impact your insurance rates.
In some states, they’re considered to be the same thing, while in others a DWI is considered to be the more serious offense. Jerry has compiled information on how these offenses
, but better safe than sorry––don’t drive while under the influence.
#7 Not wearing a seatbelt
Seatbelts are designed to protect you and others around you in the event you get into a car accident. Not wearing a seatbelt is not only illegal, but can also prove fatal should you be involved in an accident. Make it a habit to put your seatbelt on any time you get into a vehicle, even if you’re not the driver.
#8 Paying too much for insurance
Being an insured driver is a must, but getting car insurance for a new driver can be very expensive, but
can help keep those costs to a minimum. Through the platform’s state-of-the-art coverage collection and analysis, Jerry helps you make sure you’re paying the least amount of money for the best insurance.
The savings just keep coming, even after Jerry finds you a great plan. Before your policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with the most competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price.
With most insurance companies, adding a new driver is a hassle, but Jerry takes all the legwork out of it by doing all the paperwork for you. No waiting in line at the post office or on hold with your agent—Jerry even contacts your insurance company to get all your coverage details.
Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year. Comparing and switching insurance through the app is 100% free, and there are no fees or markups. Put simply, it’s essential for new drivers, their parents, and anyone else interested in getting the best insurance price every time.
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