Teen Driving Safety Tips Amy Smith, December 14, 2023December 14, 2023 Safety Tips for Teen Driving Image Source: Freepik Teenagers who start driving experience various challenges and distractions that can compromise their safety on the road. In fact, statistics show that teens are more likely to be distracted during a crash than any other age group. This alarming trend demands our attention as responsible parents and guardians. Read further to learn some essential tips to help prevent teen distracted driving and reinforce the importance of following the rules of the road. By instilling these practices, we can contribute to safer roads for our young drivers. Tips to Prevent Teen Distracted Driving Cell Phone Use: One of the most significant distractions for teens is their cell phones. Encourage your teen to turn it off or place it out of sight while driving. Studies by the National Safety Council reveal that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident while using their phones. Suggest keeping the phone on silent in the glove box or the back seat. If they need to make a call or text, advise them to pull over or park in a safe location. No Texting and Driving: Emphasize the dangers of texting while driving. At a speed of 55 miles per hour, the average text message can divert your teen’s eyes from the road for the length of an entire football field. The experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Piasta Walker have seen the dangers of distracted driving accidents involving texting. GPS Preparation: If your teen needs GPS guidance, make sure they set it up before starting the car. Input the destination address into the map app and enable voice directions. This way, they can keep their attention where it belongs – on the road. Reduce Passengers: The more passengers your teen has in the car, the more distracted they are likely to be. It’s a good practice to limit distractions by having fewer or no passengers, especially when they are new to driving. Eating and Drinking: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns against eating or drinking while driving. Studies show that doing so increases the odds of an accident by 80 percent. Encourage your teen to focus on driving and save the snacks for later. Radio Volume: Advise your teen to keep the radio at a reasonable volume. The radio should never drown out the sounds of oncoming emergency vehicles or nearby horns. Being able to hear what’s happening around them is vital for safe driving. Following the Rules of the Road Teenage drivers must understand and adhere to the rules of the road. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds, making safe driving practices a priority. Here are some rules teen drivers should remember to follow: Maintain Safe Following Distance: Whether your teen is in motion or at a stop, they should always be able to see the ground behind the vehicle in front of them. A vehicle’s following distance should increase significantly in winter conditions to allow for the potential of skidding on wet or slippery roads. No Lane Changes at Intersections: Changing lanes in the middle of an intersection might be legal in some areas, but it’s universally considered dangerous. Teach your teen to wait until they’ve safely passed the intersection before making any lane changes. Passing Understanding: New drivers should avoid excessive passing. However, it’s important to educate them about road symbols that indicate when it’s safe to pass another vehicle. Avoid Cruise Control in Wet Conditions: When the roads are wet, using cruise control can be risky. Rain, snow, or ice can make the roads slippery, and maintaining a constant speed may lead to hydroplaning. Encourage your teen to drive without cruise control in these conditions. Conclusion In the pursuit of safer roads for our teenage drivers, it’s essential to take a proactive approach. By following these tips and rules, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with distracted driving and inexperience. Together, let’s empower our teens to become responsible, safe, and confident drivers who contribute to a better, safer road environment for everyone. If you want more tips on how to guide children, you can learn several things from My Four and More. Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Life