Safe Driving Tips for Teens

You have your first car, and you are ready to get out on the road.  Here are a few safety tips to use that will make your parents proud.

First of all don’t text and drive, experts have calculated the risk as being as bad as drinking and driving. Even if you’re using a hands free phone your still having a slower reaction time than you would as if you were drinking. Its best just to keep your cell off, or don’t answer it at all while driving, it only takes seconds for something to go wrong. Many states now have texting laws that prevent texting while driving.

Drive with your headlights on all the time is actually a good habit.  It improves a driver’s visibility and also alerts other cars to your presence.

Don’t have a lead foot and always keep the car at or under the speed limit. Speeding is one of the biggest reasons for tragic car accidents. Don’t become a fatal statistic by speeding.  Following the speed limit will keep you from paying fines, higher insurance fees, and vehicle repairs.

Keep distractions down to a minimum.  Turn off the radio and do not eat or drink, as these distractions can lead to you making a mistake. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to lose control of a vehicle and wreck.

Always practice defensive driving, which means to be aware of your surroundings at all times, keep one car length between your car and the car in front of you.  It also means to slow down in dangerous conditions.

Make sure you always wear your seatbelt.  Seatbelts may be an inconvenience but they are proven to save lives.