If you have just bought your first car and are heading out onto the road alone for the first time, it’s an exciting experience. You are finally free to drive wherever you want to go, without an instructor barking directions in your ear.

But it can also be incredibly nerve-wracking to have all that responsibility in your hands. You will be sharing busy roads with hundreds of other car owners, some of whom have questionable driving skills. It’s understandable that you might be worried about getting into an accident.

After passing your test, it can take some time before you are truly comfortable behind the wheel. If you're not careful you could end up having a collision that damages your vehicle or injures you and others.

To keep you safe on the road and avoid disaster, here are four tips for preventing a car accident.

Be observant

Your powers of observation are the most important tool in your arsenal when it comes to avoiding a car accident. You need to be aware of the road as well as what other drivers are doing around you. Keep an eye on the vehicles in your immediate proximity, and try to predict which cars might suddenly change lanes or pull out of a junction. Never assume a driver will act in a certain way, so be prepared for all possibilities. Until you get a hold of your nerves, avoid listening to music or the radio when driving, as this will just distract you from the road. The same goes for answering the phone or checking your messages too. If you need a sat nav to find your way, that’s fine, but avoid fiddling with it while on the move.

Keep your distance

One of the most common causes of car accidents is tailgating. This is when a car drives too close to the vehicle in front, giving them insufficient braking distance in the event of a sudden stop. Leave yourself plenty of room between you and other cars on the road. If you notice a car behind you driving too close, you can flash your hazard lights to warn them, or slow down to allow them to overtake safely.

Look after your car

A poorly-maintained vehicle is much more likely to cause an accident than one that is loved and cared for. Make sure you take your car for a regular service each year, and address any problems right away.

Follow the rules

There is no excuse for breaking the speed limit, and it’s essential you follow the rules of the road. Going too fast could lead to a loss of control, and you could easily end up colliding with another vehicle. Obey any traffic signs and be a considerate road user.

By following these steps, you will keep yourself and others safe on the road. In the unfortunate event that you do get into an accident, you will need to report it to the police and exchange insurance details with the other parties involved. If it was not your fault, you may even wish to consult a personal injury lawyer such as St Louis-based outfit The Simon Law Firm, P.C.

Good luck on the road!