Acquiring your driver’s license at any age is exciting. It also means adhering to the rules of the road at all times and driving defensively to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Prevent expensive car repairs by using these tips every time you get behind the wheel.

Top 5 New Driver Safety Tips

1. Avoid Distractions

Avoid distractions of all kinds when you are driving. This includes using your phone, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and doing anything else that pulls your focus from the road. According to DMV.org, using a cell phone while driving is comparable to driving drunk, even if you are using a hands-free device.

2. Maintain the Speed Limit

Maintain the speed limit to keep up with the flow of traffic. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding and significantly increases your accident risk. That said, you should not drive faster than you are comfortable with. If you are driving at a similar speed to cars around you, do not speed up just because another car zooms up behind you. Driving too fast can make curves difficult and will make it harder to slow down for sudden stops, possibly resulting in an accident and subsequent auto repairs.

3. Keep Your Distance

Stay at least three car lengths away from other vehicles as much as possible. While you may have to deal with heavy traffic sometimes, the farther away you are from other vehicles, the safer you will be. Tailgating is a common problem that easily results in accidents if one of the vehicles ahead of you suddenly hits their brakes.

4. Turn On Your Headlights

Use your headlights not only when it is dark out, but during dawn and dusk. Headlight laws in Hawaii, for example, state the lights must be used 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. They are also required when you cannot see at least 500 feet ahead of you and any time weather conditions interfere with your ability to see the road clearly.

5. Read Traffic Signs

While some new drivers assume people in the car in front of them will obey all signs, you can never be sure another driver is heeding warning. Always read the signs for yourself and follow them. You may need to slow down, take a detour, lower your speed, or perform other measures that keep you and the drivers around you safe. Obey traffic lights as well; instead of trying to make it through a yellow light, slow down and let others clear the intersection. This can prevent a serious accident and car repairs.

If you get in an accident and need car repairs, rely on the talented team at C & H Body And Fender. The Honolulu, HI-based collision repair shop has specialized in auto dent and collision repairs for over 30 years. Staff work on every vehicle make and model, and they are always ready to answer questions. Call (808) 841-3618 to schedule car repairs or visit the website for more information.