Few things worry parents more than when their teens get their driver’s licenses. It’s terrifying to know that your son or daughter is out on the road facing possible dangers. Clark’s Car Care can help make sure your teen’s automobile is always in the safest and most reliable condition possible. We’d also like to share some driving tips designed to help your teen avoid automobile accidents.
Never Speed
Speeding is one of the quickest ways you can get into an accident because it reduces your reaction and stopping time. Don’t give in to peer pressure to speed, don’t drag race, don’t speed because you’re running late, and watch for speeding drivers. It’s better to be late than to get into an accident.
No Cell Phone! Period!
Driving laws today prevent teens from accessing their cell phones when they are behind the wheel. Turn your cell phone off, or, at a minimum, silence all notifications. No matter how tempting, do not read or send text messages, even if you’re stopped, and watch for other drivers who are texting.
Buckle Up
Don’t forget to buckle up every time you get behind the wheel, and make sure your passengers do the same. This is not necessarily defensive driving so much as it is protection. It is important to make certain everyone is secured properly in the event you are hit by another driver.
Keep Distractions At Bay
Defensive driving means you have your eyes on the road constantly checking everything around you. If you have too many passengers, are talking or texting, blasting your music, or even eating while you’re driving, you might not notice something ahead and could end up in an accident.
Do These Things Always
Even though it’s called defensive driving, sometimes defensive driving is extending simple courtesies. When you are behind the wheel, your goal is to get where you need to go safely. This requires that you are alert for dangers at all times and, also, that you do the following:
- Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs
- Use your turn signals so drivers know what you plan to do
- Don’t tailgate or otherwise reduce your stopping distances
- Check your mirrors constantly, especially when changing lanes
- Don’t rely solely on your mirrors, however, use your eyes, too
- Drive according to the road conditions, especially in inclement weather
- Be courteous and always give others the right-of-way when they have it
Know your route ahead of time, as well. This keeps your eyes on the road instead of on your GPS map because you are lost. When your eyes are not on the road, you cannot drive defensively, so make sure you know how to get where you’re going ahead of time.
Finally, take advantage of Clark’s Car Care’s free community clinics designed to teach your teens about their vehicles. Call our Naperville, IL, auto service shop for more information.