Understanding the road as a teenage driver can be both exciting and challenging, and if you are a teenager and have started your journey of being a driver, then you would surely agree with us. As much as it is a privilege for a teen to drive their own vehicle, they should also know how important it is to follow the rules and regulations.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention research shows that over 48% of teenagers lose their lives every year in the United States of America.
It’s sad that this alarming situation is usually ignored by most teens, especially those who are new to driving. In this article, we are going to discuss the five most important safety tips that every youngster has to follow to save their beautiful and precious life. Remember, minor mistakes can make your life a living hell.
Five Common Driver Safety Tips For Teens
As we know, teens who know how to drive properly and behave while driving or on the road or highway are also likely to have fewer accidents. Here we have got a few points that can not only help you learn some rules but also save your and your loved ones’ lives:
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Limit Distractions
Limit distraction is the pretty initial cause of any road accident among teens with distracted minds. If you are a teen then you would surely agree with us that many teenagers usually use smartphones or other entertainment devices while driving and it is the easiest way to get distracted.
It is important for youngsters to keep their devices away, whether they are mobile phones, hand-free, AirPods, food, or any other source of distraction. In a statement, Denver personal injury attorney at the Fang Law Firm, Reminington Fang, said that this is one of the main reasons for any accidents in the US.
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Set and Enforce Curfews
The curfew for a teen can be a bit difficult but can work if applied. For example, nighttime driving poses additional challenges for any new teen driver. If ignored, then it can cause fatigue, reduce visibility, and increase the risk of accidents after dark. So, it is necessary to create a reasonable curfew for them and highlight the importance of avoiding late-night driving whenever possible.
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Practice Defensive Driving
Do you know teaching youngsters defensive driving techniques can be a game-changer? That’s right. Defensive driving affects foreseeing potential risks, so they need to maintain a safe following distance and be aware of the actions of other drivers on the road.
What you really have to do is encourage them to take defensive driving courses, where they can learn the valuable skills to respond effectively to unexpected situations on the road. In this way, they can have a proactive approach that significantly reduces the chance of accidents.
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Enforce Seat Belt Usage
Before driving any vehicle whether it’s a car or a bike it is mandatory for everyone including a teen to wear seat belts as it is a fundamental safety measure that cannot be stretched. While explaining the importance of seat belts, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that seat belts save around 15,000 lives each year alone.
They asked every person to make it a non-negotiable rule to buckle up before even starting their ride. Additionally, remind them to ensure all passengers are also wearing their seat belts. This simple habit can greatly enhance the overall safety of the driving experience.
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Focus On Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping the car in good shape is important to not only teens but also adults so that they can drive safely. Teens can learn some easy things to check, like tire air and oil to avoid getting stuck on the road. Regular checkups with a mechanic are needed so they can check the problems before they become big.
Final Thoughts
If you are a young driver then you have to follow the rules like, avoiding distractions like phones, limiting nighttime driving, learning defensive driving techniques, wearing seatbelts, and keeping your car in good shape. These rules will not only help you to be a good driver but you can also become a responsible driver.