The 5 handiest car gadgets for new drivers

Many of us have been driving for so long that it can be easy to forget quite how what a complex task it is. No one is more keenly aware of this than new drivers, as even once you’ve passed your test there can be quite a long period of adjustment before you’re properly confident - that’s the whole reason those recognisable P plates exist. 

From parking to motorway driving, there’s a lot of different techniques, environments and guidance to remember, all of which new drivers have to bear in mind as they navigate the sometimes unpredictable behaviour of other road users. Happily, with modern car technology being what it is, today there are a whole range of products on the market to make things easier for new drivers, and we stock quite a few of them right here at Car Communications! Here are five of the most useful. 

Reversing camera

A reversing camera, or a backup camera as it’s sometimes known, is one of the most useful in-car technologies available for day-to-day driving. Reversing your car might sound simple, but in tight quarters or busy areas it can be a deceptively difficult task. Car parking incidents alone now account for more than 30% of all car accidents in the UK, which is a staggering number when you stop to consider it. 

Reversing cameras are the ideal solution - many activate automatically when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. They provide a clear and unobstructed view of the area behind, helping the driver to avoid sturdy, expensive obstacles or vulnerable road users. As an extra bonus, they can also give new drivers a better sense of the dimensions of their car - new drivers often don’t have a strong grasp of these initially, which can contribute to accidents happening. 

Parking sensors

Speaking of helping drivers grasp the dimensions of their car, parking sensors are also an excellent gadget for this purpose. Most people tend to think of buying parking sensors and buying reversing cameras as an either/or sort of decision, but actually they can be exceptionally effective when used in tandem. Even when a new driver can see the area behind their cars, parking sensors can give them that extra peripheral awareness that means they can become instantly aware of an impeding obstacle before it enters the camera’s field of vision. 

This is most helpful in shopping centres, for example, with people pushing busy trolleys, or residential areas where pets and playing children are an ever-present concern for drivers. 

Bluetooth car kit

Since 2003, it’s been illegal for drivers to use a handheld mobile phone when driving, and everyone knows the law by now. But for some new drivers, it might be a particular temptation, especially with the newfound confidence that some people gain from passing their test. However, those caught doing it could face 3 penalty points and a fine of £100. It’s even possible for drivers to be disqualified, and face a maximum fine of £1000. 

This is where Bluetooth car kits can help. As the name suggests, these handsfree car kits work by wirelessly connecting to a mobile device, which allows drivers to take calls when on the road. It’s great for teenagers organising a rendezvous in town - or, let’s be honest, calling Mum for some advice occasionally. We stock a wide range of Bluetooth car kits here at Car Communications, suitable for a wide range of models.

Mobile phone cradles

For better or worse, many of us live our entire lives on our phones these days, and teenagers especially are rarely away from them. It’s part of what makes Bluetooth kits so useful, and equally, mobile phone cradles are less high-tech but arguably equally vital additions to any new driver’s car. 

After all, these days mobile phones aren’t just for making and taking calls - today’s plethora of apps means that people use them for navigation and traffic updates, as well as entertainment, radio or podcasts, and even telematics like fuel economy. A few more experienced drivers even use them for language apps (a recent survey found that just over 1 in 4 commuters regularly listen to educational material on the way into work). Voice commands are a critical part of using mobile phones when driving, and a cradle takes yet another element of danger literally out of the driver’s hands. 

Dashcams

Lack of confidence and experience can often make new drivers slightly more erratic than other road users, and most will err on the side of caution, sticking to speed limits and taking their time to manoeuvre. This can be a source of frustration to some more experienced drivers, some of whom take speed limits as advisory only. As a result, many new drivers can find themselves getting cut up on residential roads and motorways, while that recognisable green P plate can even make some a target of sophisticated crash for cash schemes. Dashcams can provide vital legal protection by providing irrefutable proof of the events leading up to any collisions - especially important for newer drivers, since their initial insurance costs tend to be higher. 

As we’ve touched upon, you can buy many of these useful gadgets right here at Car Communications - we’ve got a fantastic range of dashboard cameras, reversing cameras and other driver safety aids to choose from, and if you’ve got any questions you still need answering, our friendly team of experts is here to help. Just give us a call on 01254 694 537, and we’ll be happy to provide any advice or information you might need!