For most teenagers, driving seems like the first in an important list of passage rights toward adulthood. Unfortunately, like Spiderman’s uncle said, ‘With great power comes great responsibility! While driving can be fun, it takes a lot of considerations and sacrifices to get to the point where you can confidently hand the keys over to your teenage child.
That said, there is the realization that teenagers are inherently impulsive, so it is crucial to ensure they get the right kind of guidance before they get behind the wheel. Here, we list some tips that will help first-time teen drivers smoothly transition into responsible, safe driving.
Safety Tips for First-Time Teen Drivers
1. Focus!
The first and most important tip is to emphasize the importance of focus. Loud music, unruly passengers, and even foggy weather can be very dangerous if the driver isn’t focused. This goes for experienced drivers as well.
Teen drivers are known to be very easily distracted, which is why the key tip is to have both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
2. Limit Night Driving
While experience in night driving will eventually be a necessity, when starting, it is important to practice mostly during the day. This is because teenagers tend to be a little rash and party hungry at night, which increases the chances of accidents tenfold. The thrill and excitement of having a car also impair good judgment, which is why night driving is not recommended.
3. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Not to sound cliché, but practice makes perfect, especially concerning driving. Teenagers and first-time drivers are generally a nervy bunch. This is why some practice runs around the block, a bit of urban driving, and perhaps some supervised drives in unfavorable weather will help give out some valuable experience.
The single most effective way to achieve any form of expertise is to practice. Note that for some types of driving, like driving in urban areas or through interstate lines, it is crucial to ensure that it is supervised, this will prevent any mishaps.
4. Car Insurance
Let’s face it, teenagers are a pretty rowdy bunch, and even first time drivers try to floor the accelerator on their first day without the proverbial training wheels or an instructor screaming into their eardrums. That said, it is always a good idea to play it safe. There are tons of insurance companies that offer packages specifically tailored for teenagers, so you can always try and find one that isn’t too steep.
Car insurance is one of those things that you’d rather have and not need than need and not have.
Check Also: What to Do After a Car Accident: Road Safety Guide
5. Learn your Traffic signs
All the practice in the world is useless if you have no idea what traffic lights mean. Teenagers are notorious for ignoring traffic and stop signs as soon as they are out of driver’s education. This is why another key tip is to ensure your teenager knows when to stop when it’s safe to make a turn, speed limits, and any of the various signs that may land in trouble if infringed.
Start with the basics and work your way down to the ones that may seem complex, just ensure that the important ones are imprinted in their minds.
6. Car Safety Features
Fortunately for most Millennials, modern-day cars have so many automated features that they pretty much drive themselves. The braking assistance, multiple airbags, Electronic Power Suspension, Lidar/Radar assistance camera systems, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Teenage drivers now have a myriad of safety features that weren’t available a decade ago, making driving more effortless. So invest in a car that has top-class driver-assist safety features, just to be sure you are in safe hands.
7. Be Wary of Distractions
While the focus was the first item on the list, it is only fair that we mention things that may interfere with this focus. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or anything that takes your attention away from the road, you should put a pin on. No exceptions.
Things to check before starting your journey
- Make sure that you wear a seat belt for your safety.
- Do not rush, plan your schedule earlier for stress-free driving.
- Before starting the travel, check whether your car is in good condition to avoid unexpected collapse.
- Make sure to keep the insurance and emergency kit on your dashboard.
- Check whether the additional safety accessories like Jumper cables, Stepney, Tyre Inflators, Tyre puncture kit, and Tyre Jack.
- Ensure to use wiper fluid for better visibility during the rainy season.
- Before starting the car, make sure to adjust the seat according to your comfort and check the mirror visibility to identify the blind spots.
Bottom Line
Driving can be fun, but only if you do it responsibly!
Especially, teenagers should follow each and every safety measure for a safe journey. After completing a driving education, their parent should take a ride with them to guide them in chaotic situations. In recent days, most of the accidents have happened due to their carelessness. So, parents should take responsibility for teaching their budding teens about safe rides.
