The most thrilling rite of passage in a teenager’s lives is getting a driver’s licence. It can be nerve-racking for both the driver and the parents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause for death among 15-to-20 year-olds. Here are some tips to make sure your new driver is safer on the roads.
Be sure to obey the speed limit. Both driving too fast or too slow can be dangerous. You can not only keep your vehicle in control but also reduce fuel consumption by following the speed limit.
Avoid distractions. Teens might think they are experts at multitasking with cell phones, iPods, and GPS. But driving is not the place for distractions. It can make all the difference in how quickly you respond to a collision avoidance call by taking your eyes off of the road for one second to change songs or send a message.
Pay attention to what’s around you. Pay attention to your surroundings. Children playing on the street and pedestrians are two things to watch out for if you’re walking along a residential street.
Speak up! Tell your friend if they are driving too fast, switching lanes frequently, tailgating, or not paying attention. You may think they are trying to impress you. A simple request can encourage them to give up driving in dangerous ways. If they refuse to do so, ask them to drop off your vehicle at a safe place so you can call someone to pick it up.
Get ready. According to NHTSA “Increasing seat belt use is the simplest and least expensive way to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”NHTSA actually found that seatbelts saved more than 75,000 lives between 2003-2007. It only takes two seconds to fasten your seat belt to make sure you are safe on the roads. In many states, it is the law.
Many organizations offer safety driving information and resources for young drivers. Bridgestone’s Think Before You Drive program is one example. www.ThinkBeforeYouDrive.orgThe site offers many driver safety tips and games, as well information about innovative programs such as Driver’s Edge (free).www.DriversEdge.orgSafety Scholarswww.SafetyScholars.com) and Firestone Complete Auto Care’s Car Care Academies (www.CarCareAcademy.com