Common Mistakes New Drivers in Colombia Make and How to Avoid Them

New drivers are still trying to get a feel of the road. And with all the challenges that come with driving in Colombia, it’s understandable that there will be a few issues. But whether you’re a new or veteran driver, every wrong move will still have the same consequences.

So, why not try to avoid driving mistakes altogether? By doing so, you can keep the passenger happy and maximize your income potential. The first step is knowing the mistakes new drivers make.

As a driver, the most important digital mobility tool that you’ll be using is a navigation app. It helps you plan your route and your travel so you can get to your destination more quickly. But from what we’ve seen, new drivers tend to rely on navigation apps a little too much. They tend to follow its recommendations without any regard to what they see on the road.

With the wrong turn, you can end up in heavy traffic. This takes longer to complete the ride, thus preventing you from securing another booking.

New drivers aren’t given any leeway in following traffic rules just because they’re new on the road. And a mistake means more than getting a ticket. Since you’re driving as a source of income, traffic violations also have the following consequences:

• Reduced income if you have to pay a fine for your violation
• Passenger dissatisfaction that can affect their rating and likelihood to give you a tip
• Inability to earn from driving if you get your license suspended

Mistakes new drivers make can be more than just a little inconvenience. They can directly affect how much money you can make.

As an independent rider on Yango, your pay is based on completed trips. So, poor time management may be costing a lot of money. Heavy traffic is just a part of life in many major cities in Colombia.

But going with longer routes or those that use roads with heavy traffic means taking longer to get to the destination. It also comes with fuel wastage, which increases your operating costs.

Especially when profitable bookings come one after the other, it can be tempting to just go for it. New drivers are especially prone to this mistake. They tend to:

• Ignore the need to stretch their legs after being in the driver’s seat for a long time
• Not eat or drink to keep themselves energized
• Get bookings even if they’re tired or haven’t had enough sleep

Many learn the hard way and suffer from fatigue. This usually results in having to take a break to recover. Even if you seem fine now, not giving your body the chance to rest can take a toll on your body in the long run. So, the extra that you earn from completing more trips may just go to needing medical care.

And just as importantly, pushing yourself too hard can make you a less safe driver on the road. Your reaction time may slow down, which can lead to an accident.

Avoiding mistakes as a new driver helps establish high standards for themselves right from the get-go. So, by following these tips, you can set yourself up for safer rides, happier passengers, and better income potential:

• Improve your knowledge of the area. Navigation apps aren’t all-knowing. And with your high familiarity with the roads, you’ll be able to find the best routes beyond what’s recommended by online tools.
• Be familiar with local laws. Many Colombian cities adopt Pico y Placa, which limits road access based on license plate numbers. Some roads may also be closed on certain days, which apps may not reflect right away.
• Follow safe driving tips. This is especially important if you have fewer years of experience. Keep your eyes on the road, and make sure there’s enough distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Keep yourself updated.For example, if it’s raining a lot, watch out for news about which roads may be getting flooded. By doing so, you can adjust your route and prevent getting stuck on the road for a long time.
• Take care of yourself and your vehicle. Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer, and address any car issues before they get worse. As the operator of that vehicle, you should also take care of yourself. This means taking breaks, getting enough rest, and making sure you’re nourished.

Keep yourself informed and take care of both yourself and your vehicle. Coupled with safe driving, you can avoid most driving mistakes.

You need to do more than follow safe driving tips if you want to succeed as an independent driver. So, avoid mistakes such as not familiarizing yourself with Colombian traffic rules and blindly following navigation apps. By doing so, you can be more effective as a rider.