Recently, a saying has been circulating on social media: “Don’t sell gasoline to women.” This saying implies that women drivers are usually less skilled than men and often cause accidents. However, this is a biased statement and has no basis because both men and women can make mistakes when driving, especially new drivers.
To avoid unnecessary mistakes, new drivers in general and women drivers in particular need to master the following skills.
Wearing appropriate footwear
High heels are always a favorite fashion accessory for women. However, this type of shoe is not really suitable for driving. The reason is that high-heeled shoes often have small and narrow soles, which can easily slip off the pedal. Some types of high heels with thick and heavy soles can also reduce the accuracy of controlling the accelerator and brake pedals. Therefore, female drivers should not use high heels when driving.
In addition, women drivers in general and drivers in general should not drive barefoot. Compared to wearing shoes, using barefoot to control the accelerator and brake pedals will require more effort and can lead to dangerous accidents. Sweaty bare feet can also reduce friction and easily slip off the pedal. Not to mention the risk of scraping or injuring the feet while controlling the accelerator and brake pedals.
In general, car drivers should use sandals or sneakers to ensure safety. The clothing when driving should also be neat, not bulky, cumbersome, or entangled to facilitate operation and reaction in all situations. Women should not use long scarves, wide-brimmed hats, or wear sun-protective clothing that covers the face while driving as it may impair visibility.
Adjusting the seating position and rearview mirror
It is not exaggerated to say that the seating position in a car plays a very important role. It not only provides a comfortable and confident feeling but also helps the driver have a good view, thereby avoiding the risk of collisions when participating in traffic. Therefore, when getting in the car, the driver should adjust the seat to fit themselves.
In addition to the seat, the driver should also adjust the steering wheel to a suitable position. Adjusting the steering wheel will help the driver avoid feelings of fatigue or long-term effects on health.
The rearview mirror is also an important equipment to ensure the driver’s observation ability. Adjusting the rearview mirror to have the best viewing angle and limiting blind spots is a skill that new drivers need to master.
Nowadays, many new car models have been integrated with blind spot warning systems on the rearview mirror, helping to reduce the risk of collisions when participating in traffic. Even popular models with affordable prices like Toyota Wigo also have this blind spot warning system. In addition, Toyota Wigo is also equipped with a cross-traffic alert system when backing up, which is extremely useful, especially for women drivers. This is also the outstanding safety feature of Toyota Wigo compared to its competitors in the same A-segment car in Vietnam.
Toyota Wigo with blind spot warning and cross-traffic alert system will bring more confidence for car drivers, especially new drivers or women drivers.
Wearing seat belts
Some new drivers may not be accustomed to wearing seat belts and feel restricted and inconvenient. However, wearing seat belts is extremely necessary as it can minimize the risk of severe injuries or death in accidents. In addition, if you do not wear a seat belt, you will be fined by law enforcement agencies.
Remember to release the handbrake
The handbrake is a familiar device in cars but is often forgotten by many drivers. Before starting, new drivers should remember to release the handbrake, otherwise it may cause brake damage due to excessive friction, which can cause the brake pads to burn.
Conversely, when stopping or parking, many drivers, even experienced ones, may forget to pull up the handbrake. This can cause the car to roll, causing damage to property or serious consequences such as colliding with people or other vehicles participating in traffic.
Paying attention to lane observation and driving in the correct lane
Driving in the correct lane is a skill that new drivers should “memorize”. This skill not only ensures the safety of themselves and others participating in traffic but also avoids being fined for violating the law. If driving slowly, you should switch to the right lanes to avoid obstructing other vehicles.
In addition, lane observation is also a skill that drivers need to pay attention to. Drivers should not only look straight ahead but also observe both sides of the car. Before changing lanes or crossing the road, the driver needs to carefully observe the rearview mirror. When conditions are met, you can turn or change lanes.
Car models with blind spot warning systems like Toyota Wigo will make lane changes safer.
Avoid distractions while driving
New drivers, especially women, tend to be easily distracted while driving. Some female drivers have the habit of eating, putting on makeup, looking in the mirror, adjusting their clothes, or even using their phones to text, chat, access social networks, etc., while driving. All of these habits distract attention and can lead to accidents. Therefore, drivers should give up these bad habits and concentrate when driving.
Maintain a safe distance
New drivers in general and women drivers in particular always have difficulty in maintaining the distance from the front and rear of their vehicles to obstacles or other vehicles. Therefore, when not sure of the correct lane, new drivers should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This will give the driver more time and space to react in unexpected situations and avoid unnecessary collisions.