Driving Classes for Teens: Safe Driving Tips
When you are a new driver, you possibly get tired of hearing advice about safe driving. No one thinks about an accident until it happens to them, and the statistics show that mainly the new drivers get at greater risk when they get involved in an accident. Safe driving classes for teens help avoid accidents, save lives, and even save money.
Here are eight ways to be safer on the road –
- Don’t speed up
One of the major things that lead to teen accidents is speed, so you need to slow down, especially when in heavier traffic. Speeding will not save you time, but sometimes it can make things worse. Even if the traffic is going faster, follow the rules and keep a safe speed.
- Drive Defensively
Keep your focus on the road and analyze the traffic behind and next to you. Keep a safe distance and think about escaping if a car suddenly stops in front or comes to your lane. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the cars in front and behind you. Depending on the speed limit, you need to maintain the space as well.
- Avoid using your cell phones.
Many state laws prohibit using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device when operating a vehicle. Even using a cell phone when driving is equivalent to drunk driving, as both can lead to distraction. Turn your phone off and eliminate rings and alerts that distract you the most. Even when you are of the age to legally use a phone, don’t take the risk of using the phone that distracts you the most.
- Avoid distractions
Distractions can create negative situations that you might not notice or for which you react too late. Beyond phones, other equally dangerous distractions can include eating, drinking, playing, navigating, or listening to loud music. All these take your focus off the road, and becoming alert can give you a second to react, making a complete difference in avoiding accidents.
- Drive Alone
You might not have noticed that the people in your vehicle can become the cause of the accident. Undoubtedly, you can drive confidently with someone by your side, but it can lead to severe events if the person beside you is not a professional driver. In addition, sometimes, when you are talking, having fun, or engaging with them while driving, unexpected events can happen. So, it is a wise choice to drive alone if you are not sure about your driving skills.
- Use Seatbelts
When driving, safety is the first thing to consider. Most people either avoid or forget to put on their seatbelts, but little less do they know that it is the safety gear that can protect you from accidents. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory by law, even though most people do not consider the same.
- Choose your lane carefully.
Become familiar with every lane’s purpose and give yourself adequate room to make reasonable turns or lane changes. If you know about the turns or exits, move to a far-right lane early enough to avoid cutting off the drivers on the road. Use the far lane for passing and exits, and when traveling long distances at a consistent speed, the center lane can be the safest option.
- Follow Instructions Carefully
When taking teenager driving lessons from professionals, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Even if you are aware of the rules and regulations, the basic instructions can help you learn a lot. Also, listen to your instructors when driving. It helps you learn from every point they make, and every mistake they highlight helps you improve your skills.