When developing a new skill, mistakes play a big part in passing through the learning curve. A new driver is bound to make one or a few mistakes while on the road. Even though it is expected and perfectly normal, it is never an excuse not to proceed with extreme caution.
Read through this list of common road violations that newbie drivers usually make to at least have heads-up on what to avoid.
1. Speeding
When a driver is inexperienced, they aren’t as aware of how long it will take them to stop. Physics can explain that the faster a vehicle travels, the greater the stopping distance will be. Knowing when to start slowing down is a skill that a new driver will soon learn; while you are not very familiar yet, give yourself enough room to slow down.
All drivers, both new and seasoned, should consciously make every attempt to obey speed limits even when other vehicles are zipping past them on the highway and even when they are fully aware of their vehicles’ capacity to go beyond the regulated speed limits.
There will also be some circumstances where speed limits will change; when you are entering a school, hospital, or church zone, when transitioning from a freeway to the city street, on steep hills or slopes, or when you are driving through areas under construction.
2. Distracted Driving
The Republic Act 10913, or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, is a law that was created to prohibit everything that might distract drivers’ focus off the road, making distracted driving illegal, to top off being very dangerous.
This includes using cell phones and eating or drinking behind the wheel. The only exemption is when a motorist should make an emergency call or when a driver’s safety and security are compromised.
To avoid distractions while driving, use hands-free car accessories such as a sturdy and stable phone mount as long as it doesn’t get in the way of your line of sight.
3. Unnecessary Risks
Learning a new skill, particularly driving, is exciting and exhilarating. Keep in mind that being the person behind the wheel now is a daunting responsibility. Avoid making mistakes that might be simple to overlook but entails certain degrees of consequences.
Remember to turn on signals, follow the speed limit, always check your blind spots and avoid driving if you’ve taken even a small amount of alcohol.
It may be fun to show what your vehicle can do and how you can maneuver it, but be very cautious as it may cause accidents, endangering you, your passengers, and those whom you share the road with.
4. Tailgating
Tailgating
Tailgaiting is simply driving too closely behind another vehicle. Ideally, a driver should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of them. If driving at a faster speed, drivers should maintain a greater distance from each other since it will take longer to slow down and stop.
Avoid tailgating so that you have a safe distance to maneuver if the vehicle in front of you will suddenly stop.
5. Not following the number coding scheme
Not following the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program or the number coding scheme is one of the most commonly committed traffic violations in the country.
The Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program, or the number coding scheme, aims to improve traffic flow on the busy roads of Manila. This scheme is on the basis of the last digit of a vehicle’s plate number. You may leave really early and come home late on your vehicle’s coding day, or you might as well opt for a commute or ride-hailing app to avoid the hassle.
6. No turn on red
Even when the road ahead is clear, you cannot just turn right when you see fit. Watch out for signboards that might prohibit you from doing so and/or traffic signals.
You may turn right on a red light if it is a solid red and if you are in the proper lane. If you’re in the inner lane, flick on your turn signal and carefully make your way to the outer lane before approaching the intersection. If a spotlight has a red arrow, you have to wait for a traffic enforcer’s signal if it is safe to turn right.
7. Driving Without a License
You worked hard to get a hold of your driver’s license. You know full well its worth and value. Never forget to bring it with you every time you drive. Put it somewhere accessible, like your wallet or inside the car.
8. Driving an Unregistered Vehicle
Being pulled over for driving an unregistered vehicle is one that new drivers are most likely to experience because they don’t know how to register, they don’t know that the car registration is already invalid, or they just drove somebody else’s car without asking.
You registered for a driver’s license, so don’t forget to register your vehicle too.
9. Parking in restricted zones
Parking signs are often shown where parking is prohibited, and some might indicate window hours, too, where you may park at a specific time only. A No Parking sign has different variations that correspond to certain conditions. One that has a dedicated tow-away sign means that cars left parked in the immediate area will be towed.
Don’t just look for a parking or no parking sign. A driver must also be familiar with other ways that indicate “No Parking.” Some areas use curb coloring, where red means parking is not allowed.
10. Driving without safety gears
A helmet and a seatbelt are mandatory and are essential for your safety. Putting a helmet on when riding a motorcycle and wearing a seat belt should be second nature and a natural driving habit.
Driving without one poses risks to you and to everyone you share the road with. Getting caught without one is a serious violation too.
Driving violations are counted against you and can affect your driving record. Being new on the road should not limit you as a driver but rather help you be more responsible as you have just undergone a driving course.
Drivesafe PH provides a theoretical driving course that helps you understand the basics of driving in comprehensive detail. Drivesafe PH is the 1st LTO Accredited Online Theoretical Driving Course Provider, a social learning platform that provides accessibility to Defensive Driving Education to future Filipino drivers who would like to take the first step in Road Safety.
Keep in mind all the rules and regulations, as well as the violations you may incur before driving, so you can avoid any mishaps in the future.
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