Crashing a new car is a nightmare that instantly removes all joy from what should be an exciting time. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a statistic and your dad’s new joke.

GET USED TO YOUR NEW PRIDE AND JOY

At their most basic level, all cars are the same. But going from one car to another can be different. For instance, trading up from your first hot hatch to a sports model, say from a Ford Fiesta to a Focus ST, is slightly jarring in terms of power. And it can take some getting used to. Without staying focused and aware of the difference in acceleration, speed, and handling, you will probably end up with a serious call from a good car accident lawyer like Isaacs & Isaacs.

DON’T GET TOO EXCITED

Further to getting used to your new car, it’s vital you try not to get too excited while driving. While it’s tempting to open up the engine to see what it can do, public roads aren’t racing tracks. And if you cannot handle the responsibility of a faster car, then you really shouldn’t have one. Sportier vehicles often get into the most awful crashes, with the Subaru WRX topping the list. If you really want to race your car, then sign up for sessions at your local race track.

REMEMBER THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF CRASHING A NEW CAR

Getting excited is a common cause of many new car crashes. However, there are three that are almost always the reason for an unrecoverable crash, terrible injury, or fatality. These are:

• Drink driving: approximately 150 million people drive drunk in the USA annually.
• Using your phone: studies conclude this is just as dangerous as driving while drunk.
• Trusting other drivers: you must always stay aware of the stupidity of impaired drivers.

You can’t do much about other people. But you can be a responsible driver and prevent the most severe accidents by keeping 100% focused on your driving while entirely sober.

DON’T DRIVE AT NIGHT FOR A WEEK

Night driving is fun and relaxing. Yet the dangers of driving when it’s dark increase because of poor visibility, slower reaction times if you are tired, and increased “boy racer” activity. For a week after getting your new car, you can minimize the chances of something terrible happening. Do this by only driving during the day as you get used to your new vehicle. The feel, handling, and even electrical systems will likely work differently from your old model.

PRACTICE BASIC ROAD SAFETY

Of course, the best thing you can do is drive safely by remembering what you were taught as a new driver. Basic road safety, such as staying calm, driving defensively, and the two-second rule, are flexible enough to apply to almost every vehicle and situation. You can avoid most dangerous incidents under these conditions, in addition to staying sober, off your phone, and sticking to speed limits. A new car should be a joy to drive, which you can’t do by writing it off.

SUMMARY

You can avoid crashing a new car by being aware of some practical advice. Take the time to get used to your new vehicle, refrain from distractions and always remember basic road safety.

Photo Credit: Ford