Congratulations on becoming a first-time car owner! 

Owning a car brings a sense of freedom and convenience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring your safety on the road. Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one stepping into your first car, safety should always be your top priority. In this article, we’ll explore five crucial safety tips that every first-time car owner should consider to make their driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

1. Adhere to the rules and stay informed

While adhering to traffic rules and speed limits might seem like an obvious tip, it’s overlooked surprisingly often. Remember, these rules are in place to keep everyone safe on the road. Additionally, always try to stay informed about traffic conditions, accidents, and road closures in your area. You can keep up with the newest information by tuning in to your local radio station or using an app on your phone like Waze. This app is community driven and sends you real-time alerts about current traffic, construction, crashes, police and more.

2. Drive defensively, not angrily

Even if you have the best driving skills and stick to the traffic rules at all times, accidents can happen. Always assume that other drivers may not follow the rules, and be prepared to adjust your driving accordingly. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and be mindful of blind spots. You should practice defensive driving techniques to anticipate potential hazards and react proactively. Stay calm, patient, and courteous, and remember that arriving safely is more important than getting there quickly. And It’s definitely more important than retaliating against whoever made you angry – and unfortunately we can guarantee that you will encounter drivers that will irritate you.

3. Equip Your Car with a Dash Cam

One of the smartest investments for any car owner, but especially for first-timers, is a dash cam. In the event of an accident or incident, dash cam footage can serve as valuable evidence for insurance claims or legal purposes. But not only that: dash cams promote driver safety. One study found that drivers with a dash cam installed in their vehicle are as much as eleven (!) times less likely to speed. The likelihood of running stop signs, tailgating and hard braking also decreases.

You can ensure that you always have evidence of any mishaps happening on the road and, thanks to a Cloud-connected dash cam, keep an eye on your car even when you are away. Choose a dash cam with good image quality (especially at night), wide angle of view to capture all the important details (such as license plate numbers) and stealthy design to deter potential thieves. Here’s a handy comparison table that will help you choose the right BlackVue dash cam for you.

4. Remember about routine maintenance

This may seem like a redundant tip if you are a first-time owner of a new car. But maintaining your car in good condition is essential for safe driving. Always follow your car manufacturer’s recommended schedule for maintenance. Be wary when looking up the information online, for example for engine oil change: there are different thresholds depending on your driving habits and more! Nevertheless, regularly check the brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels. It can be a little overwhelming, but thankfully there are a lot of apps that you can install on your phone to set up reminders. Some apps (such as MyCar) allow you to even track fuel efficiency and the costs associated with maintaining your vehicle.

5. Avoid distractions

As a new car owner, you need to develop a habit of staying focused and alert while driving. Avoid using your phone or any other electronic device while behind the wheel. 

Distracted driving can lead to dangerous situations, and it’s one of the leading causes of road accidents (it accounts for as much as 9% of all fatal accidents in the US). Always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel, and mind on driving.

As a first-time car owner, prioritizing safety is key to enjoying a smooth and worry-free driving experience. Invest in a reliable dash cam, stay focused, follow traffic rules, and maintain your car regularly. Contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone – and remember that safety starts with you!