You've just passed your driver's test. Congratulations! You now have many years to enjoy your time behind the wheel. It's essential to remember everything you studied for your learner permit and the practical test you took for your license. These are a few tips to help all new drivers in Lanham, MD.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most critical safety rules you learn while studying to pass your driver’s test. This rule needs to become second nature every time you get into your car. Seatbelts have been mandatory in cars in the US since 1968. It's also been illegal to drive in Maryland without a seat belt since 1986. It's a primary enforcement issue, which means you can be stopped and fined solely for not wearing a seat belt.
 The purpose of a seat belt is to protect you from harm. It keeps you in precisely the right spot for the airbag's deployment to give you maximum protection. It also saves you from being thrown from your car. Studies have shown that individuals thrown from a vehicle are more than four times more likely to be seriously injured than individuals that remain in the vehicle.
Always Obey Traffic Rules
The Maryland Driver's Manual lists and explains all traffic rules and signs that you need to know. Now that you have your license and can drive by yourself, you have more responsibilities. These rules are even more crucial than before, as you no longer have an experienced driver with you to remind you of the rules.
 It can be easy to forget some of the details, especially with the flush of excitement of being a new driver. To prevent this, pay careful attention when you're driving. All of the rules you learned are important and serve the vital function of keeping you, other drivers, and pedestrians safe. It will be easy to remember the rules, and you will automatically know how to respond to them.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Never drink or take drugs and drive. Alcohol and drugs impair your faculties and prevent you from being able to think clearly. In the US, 290,000 people are injured by drunk drivers, and drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people. These are some of the highest numbers caused by all accidents every year. They are also the most avoidable of all accident causes.
 It doesn't matter if you feel you're competent to drive after taking alcohol or drugs. No driver is ever considered competent or safe to drive if under the influence. Driving under the influence (DUI) isn't a felony in Maryland, but you can still be fined or jailed if convicted, and this will give you a criminal record.
 We hope these are just a few helpful tips to help you as a new driver. Come into DARCARS Ford of Lanham to learn more, see our excellent range of new and used vehicles, and schedule a test drive with your favorite model!