Many new drivers will take to the road after successfully passing their driving tests. You may have some hiccups along the way and not know how best to cope. Statistics show that the first six months of solo driving are when you are most at risk. This week’s tips advise new drivers from Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance Director B Thom.
• Say yes to the ‘L’ sticker. These red ‘probationary’ L stickers show other road users you are a new driver. Most people are a little more patient when they see them. They are not a necessity but you can leave them on your vehicle for as long as you think you need them
• Keep calm. Remember you have passed your test and proven you are capable of driving on the road. Being a new driver means you are bound to make a few mistakes here and there, remember to remain calm and accept that mistakes happen – how you deal with them can sometimes make all the difference to the outcome
• Drive solo. Driving with friends in the car can cause you to be distracted and make it much harder to concentrate on what is going on outside the car. If you do drive with your friends in the car make sure they understand you need to concentrate and the distraction they could be. It is a good idea to do a few trips on your own or limit the people you take with you for the first few journeys
• Put your phone on silent, out of sight and reach – making the glove box your ‘phone box’ is a good idea. Remember using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is an offence which carries a six-point penalty – so it goes straight back to learner status and another test if you get caught in your first two years of driving
• Get some more experience. Try driving in all weathers, on all kinds of roads and at all times, and if you are still lacking in confidence or feel that you need to top up your skills then consider some additional training. You can always book an advanced driving course to brush up on your skills and take them to a different level.
Thom said: “You have proven yourself competent to drive but please remember that is the first step. If you are unsure of anything have the confidence to ask, experienced drivers will always share their knowledge.”
Conclusion:
As long as there is no respect for the rules of the laws of the road, the road will be an unsafe place. All road users need to be aware of the dangers of corruption – and not to endorse corruption through their conduct. Corruption not only is to be found in the actions of the official who asks for or receives the bribe or benefit – but also on the part of him who offers the bribe.
As always, Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance urges you to prepare your vehicle properly for any journey you will be making, and have the right attitude when on the road. In the event of mishaps. By telephoning 0780 579 261/0718 084 297 / 0736 523 424 you will receive 24 hours of emergency roadside assistance country-wide, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. After years of experience in the Towing and Emergency Roadside Assistance service industry. When we first opened the shop, we set out with one simple goal: to provide our members throughout the country with the urgent, reliable, and respectful towing and 24/7 cost-effective recovery services they deserve, and to do it in all the areas at the most affordable prices. Today, Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance offers some of the quickest response times in the country. From simple jumpstarts to complicated medium-duty accident recoveries and everything in between, our technicians have the equipment and expertise to instil comfort and peace of mind when things go wrong on the road. https://www.facebook.com/105600827733427