Music can be a stimulant, a relaxant and an attention provoker for the novice teenage driver. Studies show that the music a driver chooses to listen to can have an impact on both their physiological state and driving performance. Depending on the person and their driving capability and experience, certain types of music can induce and maintain certain moods which in turn can impact driving behavior.

According to a new study from Ben-Gurion University, teenage novice drivers listening to their preferred music while driving commit a greater number of errors and miscalculations. The study also found that the decibel rate at which music is played can also be a detrimental factor to the quality of driving. Loud music can inhibit the driver from hearing outside noise such as car horns, or an ambulance or cop car. Regardless of the kind of music playing in the car, reactions are slower when the volume is high.

The popularity of music gadgets such as the iPod and iPhone has also increased the incidence of traffic accidents. The song search dilemma is the main issue here, people are scrolling through endless lists of music which causes them to look away from the road more often and for longer periods.

Ambitious Drivers recommends that you tone down or switch off the music when you find yourself in a busy area that requires attention. We also recommend that you prepare a short playlist for the road ahead of time so that you don’t end up scrolling through a playlist while your eyes should be on the road.

Ambitious Drivers driving courses allocate equal importance to theoretical and practical training. Contact Ambitious Drivers today to schedule your driving classes. (416) 293-6500

Planning and preparing before you begin driving is extremely important. Defensive driving begins with making sure your vehicle is in safe running order. Before going on the road, check the lights, fluids, belts and tire conditions to make sure that the vehicle is safe.

On a personal level, check yourself to make sure you are not too tired or stressed to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. For example, if you haven’t had a meal in over 20 hours or if you are sleep deprived, simply do not get into the car. Risking your life is not worth it! You have several options such as calling a cab or asking for a ride from a friend.

Before you hit the road, plan your route via Google maps or using a GPS, this can help alleviate some of the stress in driving. Once inside the vehicle, sit up straight and raise your seat’s head restraint so that it is even with your ears. Adjust the driver’s seat to keep plenty of space between you and the steering wheel to allow for air bag inflation in the sudden cause of an accident. If necessary, especially if you share a car with someone else, adjust all mirrors so that you can see clearly around and behind you. Finally, as you prepare to leave, don’t forget to buckle up.

As basic as these steps may sound to some readers, many people (some who have been driving for years), fail to pay attention or follow through with these steps. Remember that defensive driving starts with taking responsibility of your personal safety and the status of your car.

At Ambitious Drivers our professional instructors are committed to improving the fundamental skills of the everyday driver. Contact us today to schedule your driving classes. (416) 293-6500.