What Should Novice Drivers Do When Encountering Heavy Traffic on the Road?
3 Answers
If driving a manual transmission car, you can use the half-clutch technique in combination with first gear to drive slowly. Here are some solutions for novice drivers encountering heavy traffic: 1. Control your speed: For novice drivers, controlling speed is the most important. It's better to drive slowly than fast, as slow driving is the simplest safety knowledge. Estimate the speed of the car in front, always observe the situation, use peripheral vision to monitor the road and surroundings, and maintain a safe distance. 2. Maintain a stable mindset: Novice drivers should focus on staying calm and relaxed. Playing some soothing music while driving can help maintain a pleasant and relaxed state of mind. 3. Overtake and change lanes decisively and reasonably: Novice drivers should overtake and change lanes decisively and reasonably. A common mistake for beginners is forgetting to shift gears. It's unrealistic for novice drivers in urban areas to stick to one lane without changing lanes or overtaking. When changing lanes, always check the traffic in adjacent lanes through the rearview mirror and judge the distance based on the speed of the following car. Additionally, according to traffic laws, you must signal before changing lanes; otherwise, in case of a collision, the lane-changing vehicle will bear full responsibility.
At first, as a beginner, I would get so nervous in heavy traffic that my hands and feet would go weak. But now I’ve learned to start with the basics. Find an open road to practice and get familiar with the feel of the car, gradually adapt to city traffic, and maintaining a steady speed is key—don’t rush to squeeze in with other cars, keep a distance of at least 50 meters for a buffer. I also try to avoid rush hours, use navigation to plan routes in advance, and minimize frequent lane changes to avoid losing control. Mentally, playing some relaxing music or taking deep breaths for a few minutes helps—just tell yourself, 'Take it slow.' Mistakes are normal in the beginner phase; you’ll get used to it after driving more. Don’t forget to regularly check your lights and brakes to ensure safe reactions. In short, practice makes perfect—confidence comes naturally with more driving.
After driving for a long time, I feel that the key for beginners in heavy traffic is stability and anticipation. Maintain smooth speed control, avoid slamming on the brakes or accelerator, and frequently scan your surroundings using the rearview mirror. Staying in one lane reduces risks. If possible, choose familiar roads to start with, practicing in less busy areas to build a foundation. I remember it's best to avoid rush hours or leave early to reduce stress. Here's a small tip: adjust your air conditioning or mirrors at red lights, and avoid distractions like phone calls. The key is to develop good habits—signal early, yield to pedestrians, and gradually merge into traffic. Practical experience shows that this approach leads to fewer mistakes and better fuel efficiency. With consistent practice, your driving skills will improve significantly over time.
