Continue reading to learn 5 safe driving tips that are imperative for teens to learn and remember.
Stay Alert
As a teen, it is so easy to get distracted no matter what you are doing. Unfortunately, driving is no different. Especially with the use of handheld devices, like cell phones and tablets, more and more people are leaning their attention away from the road when they shouldn’t be. For this reason, it is most important to always remain alert when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Place your cell phone, GPS system, makeup, mirror, and all other distractions aside while your car is in motion. This is not only important to prevent harming yourself, but also other drivers and pedestrians.
No Speeding
Of course kids want to go fast, but this is not okay when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. It is important to teach your kids the importance of speed limits. A car that is moving too fast is more difficult to control, and will over-react to the smallest change in motion. Flipping, swerving, spin-outs, and more are all possible consequences of driving too fast and then trying to stop or change motion. Speeding is also a common reason for motor vehicle fatalities. Not only is speeding dangerous in general, it is even more hazardous on narrow roads or in rain, snow, ice, and at night.
Keep a Safe Distance
Kids are not only interested in going fast, they also want to get where they are going quickly. Rushing and speeding are different, and it is important to discuss this with your teen. Of course you should never speed, but you should never tailgate, drive to close, or roll through stops and turn-abouts either. Rushing like this will only get you to your destination a minute sooner, which is not worth the risk of causing an accident, or being ticketed by law enforcement.
Avoid Aggressive Drivers
Teenagers might not always recognize the danger in some situations, and aggressive drivers are one example. Explain to your teens that it is important to avoid aggressive drivers at all costs. This means vehicles that are swerving, honking, or harassing, as well as, vehicles that are driving too fast, attempting to illegally pass, or instigating a race. These are all dangerous scenarios that can cause a very serious car accident.
Avoid Intoxicated Driving
There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Not only can it jeopardize your life, it can put other lives in danger as well. Talk to your teen about driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol and prescription medications.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer right away. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.