All drivers have experienced a first time. That unforgettable day when you start a car in driving school and notice that, next to you, the instructor handles the pedals like Iniesta does with a ball. And classes advance, you progress adequately and, finally, you get your driver's license. Welcome to the real world. It's time to mentally prepare yourself that you will learn by making mistakes, they will honk at you like a player from another team, and you will wish you were already an expert behind the wheel. But, before that, you will surely make some of these common mistakes among novice drivers in the world:
- Calm with the clutch. Even Fernando Alonso has stalled the car sometimes. It's okay. Breathe and concentrate on a clutch movement that, before you know it, you will have automated and that not even a Tourmalet ramp will make you doubt.
- Always remember that you are just starting. Beware of overconfidence when you see that, apparently, you master the car better than a croupier does cards.
- Distractions, zero. Not even alcohol – zero alcohol always! – is more lethal behind the wheel than being glued to your mobile. Don't even think about taking your eyes off the road. Avoiding accidents is more important than the latest 'meme'.
- Who said aquaplaning? Adapt your driving style to the terrain you are on. Don't be careless if the road is wet, as this dangerous situation with a funny name —aquaplaning— can make you lose control. It's not just a chapter from the theoretical book for the exam.
- Use the road well. As pointed out by the website motorpasion.com, it is observed that novices tend to use the center lane more than normal. Isn't it true that having space on both sides gives a greater sense of security? Well, it shouldn't be done. Each lane, as taught in driving schools, is used for a reason.
- Safety distance. Before empirically checking why it's called that, maintain a safe distance: that space that will save you from colliding, in case of an unforeseen event or sudden braking, with the vehicle in front. This distance depends on the condition of the road and other factors. Refresh the regulations and the "square rule," but calculate that at 100 km/h you should keep a margin of about 100 meters.
- Check the car on time, without fail. It seems obvious, but it is proven that beginner drivers, due to many circumstances, do not always keep their car up to date. And, in the case of tires, you should never push it.
Written by: Jorge García Palomo
ONTHEROAD is a magazine that aims to become an innovative space for generating ideas and debate around the universe of mobility. Promoted by Abertis, a world-leading operator in the management of infrastructure for mobility and communications, ONTHEROAD wants to participate in conversations, debates, initiatives, and the search for solutions for the new challenges of this constantly evolving world.