A Parent’s Guide to Teen Driver Safety ESSENTIAL RULES FOR TEENAGERS BEHIND THE WHEEL
• Turning with caution: I’ve learned that the most dangerous spot is an intersection, especially when a driver turns left in
Watching your teen pull out of the driveway and head into the terrifying world of the open road isn’t fun. Trust me, I know. In my line
front of you or you turn left. Any time you turn, check all angles to ensure you’re safe.
of work, I’ve seen and heard of plenty of driving nightmares that would have any parent play Uber driver until the end of time. But getting on the road and practicing safe driving is the only way for your teen to become the responsible driver you want them to be. January is Teen Driving Awareness Month, so I thought I’d share essential safety tips I tell my teens repeatedly. Teen drivers face unique hazards, and when you can better prepare them, they’ll be better at handling them.
• Letting speeders pass: Speeding is incredibly dangerous, so if you see someone zooming down the road, let them pass and avoid speeding up to accommodate them.
• Following at a distance: Distractions or a sudden brake can lead you to rear-end another car if you’re driving too close. Provide ample space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow you time to swiftly
Not every driver is going to obey the rules of the road.
brake if needed.
Put away your phone and stay focused.
New drivers may struggle to comprehend that not everyone will follow the rules of the road, and expecting them to can lead to a severe accident. Drivers will run red lights, turn without looking, and do everything a driver should never do. This can be hard to grasp, but when you expect poor driving around you, you can react quickly to prevent an accident. That’s why teens must practice defensive driving. I’m sure you know all about defensive driving, but if you need a refresher or teaching points, it’s when you utilize specific techniques to stay aware of potential risks and remain alert to prevent them. Some ways you can practice defensive driving are by: • Keeping your eyes peeled: When you note suspicious driving (swerving or speeding), weather changes, or road conditions, you can change lanes or come to a safe stop to avoid an accident.
I know teens are glued to their phones, but you must emphasize that phones should never be used behind the wheel. Answering a call, reading a quick text, or skipping a song could be a minor distraction that leads to irreversible damage. I remind my teens that they do not have decades of driving experience to be splitting their attention in any way. This means 100% of their focus should be on driving, not their phones and even chatty friends in the car. Remind your teens that to stay safe, all distractions of every kind should be at bay. We hope you or your teen never have to experience a car collision, but our team is here for you if an accident does occur. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with your accident, call 505-268-6500 .
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