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Top 10 Driving Tips For Teen Drivers
- Limit the Number of Passengers. National statistics show that the risk of crashing increases with additional passengers. Many states require that new teen drivers can't drive with passengers under the age of 18 or without adults under 25 for six months or more when newly licensed
- Make sure the vehicle you are driving is in good working condition. Check to make sure the tires are inflated properly and the brakes are inspected. Also check to see if the signal lights, horns and head/tail lights are in proper working order. Good maintenance and regular service checks is a good practice.
- Slow, Cautious and Safe. New teen drivers should take their time, drive slowly and safely. Avoid areas of high congestion, busy highways and rush hour traffic. Many new drivers need to get used to driving and comfortable with handling a 3000 pound machine. Difficult situations should be introduced slowly while learning to maneuver a vehicle.
- Sign a Parent/Teen Contract. Parents can enforce their rules and regulations about driving requirements by signing a contract with their teen. Parents of under aged children are legally responsible for their child's actions which includes vehicles driven by their children. Parents insurance premiums are raised because of young teen drivers so why not have a contract with your teen. Also consider installing a GPS tracking device to monitor the driving habits of your first-time teen driver.
- Do not use illegal drugs or drink alcohol. The chemical effect of drugs and alcohol impairs judgment and causes the bodies motor functions and reflex actions to be slowed and less controlled. Teen drivers can lose their license and their lives if they consume or indulge in the ANY drug or alcohol abuse, especially while driving a car.
- Choose the Right Vehicle. Look into car safety statistics and consumer reports to evaluate the safety ranking of your car or truck. Small cars, sports utility vehicles and trucks rank the lowest. Do your research for the highest safety rankings.
- Parents set a good example to your teens by driving safely yourself. We all know that children are very observant and they will imitate our actions. So be aware of how you drive, especially with an anxious teen who is beginning to drive is around. Be courteous and patient when you drive.
- Wear Your Seat Belt. It is very imperative that everyone in the vehicle wears their seat belts. It is a well know fact that wearing seat belts saves lives. Also, practically in every state, it is a mandatory law that seat belts must be worn.
- Know the Driving Laws. Knowing the driving laws of your state will help you avoid unnecessary citations, fines and possible vehicle impoundments. Parents should go over the laws with their teen drivers. Make sure your teen studies and knows the material for drivers education and written tests even if they have passed the required tests. Go over this information every few months so your teen remembers these rules.
- Limit In-Car Distractions. Don't talk on cell phones while operating your vehicle. Manipulating CD players and radios along with ipods, pagers, and other distracting tasks can lead to injuries and deadly accidents. Pay attention to the road and drive cautiously.
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