Setting out on the road can be a daunting prospect for any new driver. After spending months with an instructor sat reassuringly in the passenger seat, you’re suddenly expected to navigate roads, complete hill starts and look after your new car all by yourself. Unfortunately, the statistics probably won’t do much to ease your anxiety. According to research from
ALA, one in five new drivers have been involved in a road accident during their first year of driving, while accident rates are much higher among new drivers under the age of 35. So, you need to make sure you’re as well-prepared as possible before hitting the road, which is why we’ve picked out some of the best accessories all new drivers need to have.
GPS Trackers for Cars
After data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed there have been 100,000 reported car thefts in the last year alone, it’s fair to say that new drivers need to start prioritising the security of their vehicle. Offering invaluable peace of mind and ensuring any stolen vehicles are easier to recover,
GPS Trackers for Cars are fast-becoming an essential anti-theft device for all new drivers. By alerting you as soon as your car is stolen and then pinpointing its exact location, an effective car tracker could prove the difference between finding your vehicle and watching it disappear into thin air. Additionally, many insurance companies will offer lower premiums to drivers with a car tracking device installed; while some will simply refuse to insure you without one.
Satnav
Attempting to navigate unfamiliar roads is a challenge for any new driver, which is exactly why satnav technology has always been so popular. By showing your exact position and then mapping out the best route to your chosen destination, a satnav ensures you feel more in control of your journey and allows you to concentrate on the road and traffic. Alternatively, you might want to consider investing in a mobile phone holder, since all smartphones are now capable of mapping your journey and performing basic satnav functions.
Dash Cam
Since the accident rate for new drivers is so high, a
Dash Cam could prove essential in proving who was at fault for any collisions. In fact, 69% of people involved in road accidents say that owning a dash cam has proven useful in settling their dispute, and 25% of drivers believe a dash cam could actually improve their overall driving. Providing clear, high-quality footage of any on-road incidents, a dash cam can record your entire journey; helping you to prevent fraud and settle any claims as quickly as possible. Additionally, research from RAC shows that installing a dash cam could also result in lower insurance premiums, after insurers started accepting dash cam footage as evidence back in 2015.
Emergency Breakdown Kit
You need to make sure you’re always prepared for a worst-case scenario, and breaking down can turn into a real nightmare if you’ve failed to pack the basic equipment. Of course, this is why every new driver needs to carry an emergency breakdown kit in their boot. This should include all the basic motoring essentials, such as booster cables, a torch, spare batteries, warm clothing and a first-aid kit. You should also make sure to pack a hi-vis jacket, foil blanket and a foot pump with a gauge; while de-icer, an ice scraper and snow shovel should also be packed during the colder winter months. When a new driver has got all of these items in place, they should feel much more confident about staying safe out on the roads, and they’ll be much better equipped to overcome any unexpected problems.
