During which phase of driving are safety margins considered to be especially critical for novice drivers?

Safety margins are especially critical for novice drivers during normal driving conditions because this phase presents a complex environment with various dynamic factors such as other vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, and traffic signals. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and being aware of one's surroundings help minimize risks and prevent accidents.

In normal driving, novice drivers may lack experience in gauging distances and responding to sudden changes in traffic, so maintaining appropriate safety margins becomes vital for their awareness and reaction capabilities. This awareness not only helps in avoiding potential collisions but also allows novice drivers to develop their decision-making skills under typical driving conditions. In contrast, while safety is still important in situations like backing up, changing lanes, or parking, the constant interaction and unpredictability faced during normal driving conditions make safety margins during that phase critically important for less experienced drivers.