Founding Partner
No one is born as an experienced driver. The only way to gain experience as an operator of a motor vehicle is to practice. Unfortunately, other people are on the road with inexperienced drivers when they are learning driving skills, and teen driver mistakes can cause other people to get injured.
This blog will discuss what to remember when sharing the road with inexperienced drivers. No matter how cautious you are, you still might find yourself involved in a collision. A Los Angeles car accident attorney could help you seek fair compensation if you get wounded in a crash that was someone else’s fault.
Do Not Crowd Vehicles Marked with “Student Driver” Signs
An inexperienced driver might have their hands full merely staying within their lane on the street. With so many things demanding their attention at one time, like the speed limit, traffic signals, and other vehicles, a newer driver might have to make an effort to stay inside the lane markers. Things that we, as experienced drivers, can do without thinking after decades of being behind the wheel, are relatively new for a teen or young adult driver.
Expect the Inexperienced Driver to Make Mistakes
Even when they are calm and unrattled, a newer driver can make mistakes that could result in an accident. Some of the common mistakes these drivers make include:
- Changing lanes without looking for vehicles in their path.
- Failing to use their turn signals to turn off of the road or change lanes.
- Driving much slower than the speed limit.
- Driving too fast for the conditions.
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light.
- Failing to yield the right of way when merging or progressing through a roundabout or traffic circle.
You will want to remember these common mistakes when sharing the road with inexperienced drivers.
Do Not Rely on Driver-Assist Technology in Your Vehicle to Prevent Collisions
Your vehicle might give you alerts when you need to brake, swerve, or take other corrective actions to avoid a crash. It is easy to rely on these tech features and not realize that you might go into “autopilot” when driving. When you are around an inexperienced driver, you should be more alert and observant. It is best to pretend that your car does not have driver-assist technology in these circumstances.
Slow Down and Be Patient
The last thing that an inexperienced driver needs is to have another driver honking or yelling at them. You might be used to processing the multitude of information it takes to navigate a vehicle on public streets, but a new driver can get overwhelmed. They might need more time to check that it is safe to turn or change lanes. Another driver being impatient could be the factor that causes them to freeze up or panic.
Also, some longtime drivers zip around new drivers, cut in front of them, or pull up behind them suddenly and at a high speed. These behaviors could cause an inexperienced driver to make a mistake and have an accident.
If you get injured in a crash that was not your fault, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney could handle your personal injury claim for monetary damages for your injuries and other losses. We offer a free consultation, reach out to our office today.