3 Top Hazards New Drivers Should Be Aware Of

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, new drivers’ biggest fears include losing control of the vehicle and going too fast.

A lot of times, these fears result in driving anxiety and keep them from hitting the road. But as long as you’re aware of all the road hazards you could possibly face and know how to deal with them, overcoming these fears is easy.

Read on to learn about some common hazards, and how to circumvent them:

Tire bursts

Tire bursts are also known as tire blowouts because there is a rapid loss of air pressure right after the burst.

Imagine running late for an important meeting, only to find out that your car’s tire won’t be able to accompany you to the venue. Tire bursts take place for a number of reasons, the most common of which is an overloaded vehicle. This happens because the tire stretches beyond its elastic limits and eventually overheats. As a result of the overheating, the rubber detaches from both the internal fabric and the steel cord.

The easiest way to avoid tire blowouts is to drive safely. Always assess the road; if you see a lot of debris or rocks, slow down or take an alternate lane. Also, invest in frequent tire maintenance. Your tire is more likely to experience a blowout if it’s damaged.

Soft edges

Road conditions play just as important a role in determining your safety as your driving skills. You should be especially of road conditions if you are driving out of the city. Countryside roads are not the same as those in the city; they’re often covered in gravel, debris, and dirt. Most importantly, these roads have more verges and soft edges.

The best way to deal with verges and soft edges is not to panic! The moment you see them, slow down. Make sure you’re driving no faster than 50 mph. If you’ve gotten too close to a soft edge, hit the breaks. At this point, your foot should be off the accelerator, and your hand should be firm on the steering wheel.

Skidding

Cars can skid out of control if the road is wet. This is why you should avoid driving if it has rained after a long dry spell. This is because the road surface is likely to accumulate oil and grease that had long been pressed onto it. This can greatly affect the driver’s ability to drive. As a result, the car can skate skid.

If you’re an inexperienced driver, we don’t recommend driving right after it rains. If you have no choice, remember not to oversteer and don’t overspeed. Keep your focus on where you want to go and steer slowly. Only pull the brakes if you think like you’re gained full control of the situation.

Are you scared of missing out on driving lessons because of the pandemic? You can now take online driving lessons from the comfort of your home! All you need to do is get in touch with Champions Driving School in Houston, Texas.