Graduating driving school fills you with endorphins and dreams of speeding off into the sunset. But, as it says in the Queensland Government’s ‘Join the Drive’ campaign, settle down stallion!
Here are five ways to be a responsible driver when you get your driving licence and post driving school.
1. Put the phone away
Mobile phones contribute to over 80% of on-road accidents every year. Your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds are sources of distraction that don’t belong in your car. Especially not when you’re driving.
When you hear your phone buzz or if someone’s calling you, resist the urge to check immediately. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, when you’re not looking or paying attention. To avoid temptation, put your phone in the glovebox or in another place you can’t reach it until you get to where you need to go.
2. Stay dry
The designated driver is a hero on Friday nights out. Don’t see it as you missing out on having fun. Rather, it’s more important to make sure your friends get home safely.
When you graduate driving school and buy a car of your own, you have the freedom to make all these choices. And they impact others. When you take on the role as ‘designated driver’, don’t buckle under the pressure to ‘have just one’. Remember, you’re the responsible one.
3. Put your mates up
Walking home or driving when over-tired or intoxicated is just plain dangerous to both pedestrians and drivers. Join the Drive Queensland has come up with a brilliant idea called ‘Mates Motel’. The site has videos, tips, and even a menu post-party night.
If you’re hosting a party, it’s easy to be responsible even if you’re not the one driving. Don’t let your friends go home in the car or on foot if they’ve enjoyed a few too many. Let them crash in the spare bed or on the couch.
4. Get insured
During your learner days, when you weren’t in the driving school car you were most likely using your parent or guardians car. Now that you’re a P-plater you can drive your own car. And so you are covered (and to be responsible) you need car insurance.
It's a good idea to ask your parents for advice and shop around for the best CTP insurance deal.
Or if you don’t have a car yet but you are insured on your family’s policy, why not contribute to the monthly cost your parents pay?
5. Reality check
Overconfidence can kill. Your instructor and your parent or guardian were there to keep you grounded during your driving school days. But now that you’re on your own, the excitement takes over and can stop you from giving your full attention to the road.
But no one is crash-proof, so don’t act like it.
So now you are a responsible car driver, it's time to hit the road and drive safely. You'll be glad you did.