Essential Teen Driving Tips

Not surprisingly, teen drivers (especially between the ages of 16 and 19) account for more car accidents than other age groups. This unfortunate scenario is further complicated by the fact that parents do not carefully enter driving privileges and recent statistics also do not show a reversal of this unfortunate trend.

However, the good news is that most car accidents involving teens can be prevented if only a few safe driving techniques could be adopted. Such techniques, when adopted, would not only increase your chances of safety on the road, but would also give you an advantage in terms of having more affordable car insurance. There are many essential safe driving tips for teens that, if used, can greatly minimize the chances of being in a serious accident together with your passengers. Just before going over some ideas that can make a teenager a competent and safe driver, it is imperative to explore some surprising statistics on this problem;

Vehicle deaths as a public concern among teens

For most teens, the first time they get behind the wheel comes with a lot of anxiety. This probably explains why car accidents top the murder list among teens and passengers are the scapegoat most of the time. To back up this claim, several studies have indicated that more than 50% of teens who do not survive a car accident are passengers who generally do not wear seat belts. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) in 2013 revealed a shocking report where 2,163 teens ages 16 to 19 lost their lives in car accidents and nearly 250,000 received medical care after a car accident. Analysis of these shocking statistics indicated a daily death count of 6 per day, which is quite concerning.

The CDC further reported that while the youngest Americans, ages 15-24, make up about 14% of the population, they cause 30% of car-related costs, which is a gruesome estimate. This high teen crash rate (within the 16-19 range) makes them the highest risk / susceptible group of drivers in the US Of these prone individuals; male teen drivers are statistically more than 300% more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers over the age of 20.

Therefore, due to these chilling statistics, some parents have resorted to refusing to allow their children to be licensed until they are 18 years old and legal adults. At this juncture, it must be emphasized that not all teen drivers at this age would have acquired all the necessary judgment that comes from experience. On the other hand, some troubled parents who have the money might decide to install strict performance controls that don’t allow for speeding and aggressive maneuvering.

In addition to the dangerous driving situations that teenagers present, there is the controversial debate about which sex is the best driver. For teens between the ages of 16 and 19, there is usually no basis for comparison. Male teens are the deadliest drivers, doubling the crash rate compared to their female counterparts. Another big risk factor is the passengers in the car, who often tempt children to display risky behaviors and drive wildly, a dangerous practice that generally leads to crash incidents and premature deaths.

Research shows that risk increases with an increase in the number of young passengers. Therefore, if you see a car full of 5 or 6 teenagers, give them plenty of room, as there are chances that they are making dangerous maneuvers at an alarming speed. These risky young drivers often underestimate tough conditions like ice and rain and take turns accelerating or even skipping stopping distance. They also get closer more often and engage in silly acts like talking on the phone, texting, and chatting with friends in the car while on the roads.

As if that weren’t enough, the most regrettable statistics are teen driver deaths associated with alcohol. More than 70% of adolescent deaths between the ages of 15 and 20 are inclined to alcohol consumption. The latest laws to deter drunk driving appear to be working with older adults, but young people are still taking great risks behind the wheel and driving while intoxicated. This dangerous behavior puts not only the driver and passengers at risk, but also everyone else who shares the road with these extremely selfish disabled drivers.

The caution to these odds, however, is that these teens are capable of being enthusiastic drivers if they enlighten themselves and practice defensive driving, allowing them to develop their confidence and expertise.

Safe Driving Tips for Young Drivers

1. Wear your seat belt at all times

It’s important for new drivers to set the pace to become good role models, as many teens still find it uncomfortable to put on a seatbelt. This notion is not only silly, it can be deadly. Make sure you wear a seatbelt at all times, regardless of your age.

two. Don’t mix drugs and alcohol with driving

Talking about the dangers of drug and alcohol use has an important role to play when it comes to safe driving. If you are under the age of 21, then it is illegal to use drugs / alcohol and worse yet, to get drunk behind the wheel. To avoid drunk driving, stay away from drugs / alcohol and driving at all times!

3. Enroll in a certified safety course

Checking if your insurance company offers a safe driving program is another bold step in monitoring the way your teens drive and alerting you (as parents) to any unsafe driving practices. Teens can be arrogant and think they know everything about driving on their first day behind the wheel. However, there is a lot of good information to learn; such as their responsibilities as young drivers, important defensive driving strategies, as well as the implications of not meeting specific expectations. Also, if your teen completes this certified course, they may be eligible for a discount of 5% or more on their auto insurance costs.

Four. Don’t drive exhausted

While not as harmful as DUIs, drowsy driving can easily kill you. If you feel exhausted, stop immediately and take a quick nap or change drivers.

5. Comply with all traffic laws, especially speed limits.

Driving at a speed limit has been a major killer of teens. Speed ​​limits are there for a reason, so stick to them. Also, the more you obey them, the more mature your driving attitudes become. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, slow down and always drive carefully.

6. Recognize the dangers of distracted driving

Most young people practically have their smartphones close at hand while driving. These devices injure and kill thousands of teen drivers each year as they are always calling or texting behind the wheel. If you’re driving, turn off your cell phone and leave it like that until you get out of the car. Don’t use a cell phone on the road, as this undemanding advice could save your life. Other distractions such as listening to music (at the highest volume) and chatting with friends should also be kept to a minimum.