Safe Driving Tips
For Teenage Drivers
It's a fact: teenage drivers account for more
auto accidents than any other age group.
However, by practicing safe driving
techniques―such as driving defensively―you'll increase the odds you'll keep
yourself (and your passengers) safe on the road and you'll increase your
chances of getting more affordable car insurance as you build a good driving
record.
Safety Tips for Teen
Drivers
Whether you're just getting ready to hit the
road or have been driving for months―or even years―take some time to review
these 8 safe driving tips.
1) Keep Your Cell Phone Off
Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone
while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk―that's even when
using a hands-free phone.
NOTE: Your state
may prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. An increasing amount of
states are creating laws regarding cell phone use and texting. Often, younger
drivers face stricter laws.
2) Don't Text
Research shows texting―on average―causes
a loss of focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. You can drive the
length of a full football field in that time. A lot can
go wrong while you drive the length of a football field without your eyes on
the road.
Don't try the
"texting-while-stopped" approach, either, as many states ban
texting while behind the wheel. And, when you have your head down, you
won't notice key developments that may occur. Remember, you still need to pay
attention to the road when you're stopped.
3) Turn on Your Headlights
Using your headlights increases your
visibility and help other drivers see you, even when you feel like
it's light out.
In the early morning and early evening
(dusk), you need to use your lights or other drivers might not see you,
which can be disastrous.
4) Obey the Speed Limit
Speeding is a major contributor
to fatal teen accidents. That's especially true when driving on roads
with lots of traffic or with which you're not familiar.
Don't
feel pressured to keep up with traffic if it seems like everyone else is flying
by you. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, and keeps you away
from costly traffic tickets that can cause a sharp hike in your auto insurance
premiums.
5) Minimize Distractions
It may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around
the radio dial, or play music loudly while you're cruising around town;
however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few
seconds.
As an inexperienced driver, you are more
apt to lose control of your car. Distractions can significantly increase
the chances that you 1) not notice impending danger or notice it too
late and 2) lose the ability to control the vehicle.
6) Drive Solo
Having a single teen passenger in your car can
double the risk of causing a car accident. Adding additional teen passengers
causes the risk to escalate.
7) Practice Defensive Driving
Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind,
and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. Stay at least one car
length behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger
buffer zone with faster speeds.
Some
car insurance companies will even give you a discount if you take an approved defensive driving course to improve your driving skills.
8) Choose a Safe Car
If
possible, drive a safe car with
the latest safety equipment (such as anti-lock brakes,
electronic stability control, and air bags), and one with an excellent crash safety
record.
Final Word: Teens
Becoming Safe Drivers
There's no substitute for driving experience
and the wisdom that age brings, but by applying the above tips you'll enhance
the odds you won't become a teenage driver accident statistic. Also, when you
have a good driving record free of accidents, it's easier to find cheap car
insurance in the future.