Guest Article by Louis Rix

Driving can be scary for new drivers and it can be even scarier for their parents or relatives. Driving is dangerous, as it requires fast reflexes, concentration and carefulness. Although it can be life threatening, learning to drive is essential to carry out a normal life in most part of the US. With the right attitude, driving can be fun and help you become independent. Follow these tips to have a positive experience while driving.

1.    Select a car that is dependable and inexpensive. If you are a new driver, you are more likely to get into a small accident just from your lack of experience. Look for a used, relatively inexpensive car that is safe, on websites like http://www.netcars.com/.

2.    Develop a healthy fear of driving. During adolescence, most teenagers enter a phase of psychological development where they almost never consider the possibility of death or serious injury when making decisions. The most essential thing you can do to drive safely is to understand why it is so important to be careful. One simple mistake could cause you or others to die. Research statistics about driving-related accidents and think about all the people it would affect if you were to die in a car accident.

3.    Memorize traffic rules and take turns. There are specific customs that people follow to determine who has the right-of-way. Going out of turn could cause an accident.

4.    Make eye contact with other drivers. It can be difficult to always follow the right-of-way rules, especially since many drivers falsely assume they are doing you a favor by letting you take their turn. If you visually communicate with the other drivers in these situations, you will be more likely to understand their intentions.

5.    Disconnect from your emotions while driving and go into survival mode. If something unexpected happens, use your logic to figure out what you should do next to be as safe as possible. If you need to cry or scream into a pillow, find a place where you can park your car temporarily, let it out and regain composure.

6.    Customize your car. Even if your first car is thirty years old and makes embarrassing noises, make it your own. Buy seat covers that suit your personality. Put pillows in the backseat. If you love your car, you will be more likely to drive safely to avoid losing it in a car accident.

7.    Never pull out in front of another car unless you have plenty of time to cross the street. If your friends bug you with "you could have made it", tell them to find another ride next time. It is just not worth the risk.

8.    Set a personal speed limit for yourself. It can be difficult to exactly follow a speed limit. Make it a goal to never go more than 7 mph above the speed limit. Otherwise, you might get a ticket.

9.    Leave early. Make sure you have plenty of time to reach your destination. If you are not in a hurry, you will be less likely to speed.

10.   Relax. Listen to music. Think about everything going on in your life. Driving is no big deal as long as you try to be safe and avoid reckless mistakes.