The Road to Safety: Driving Tips for Teen Drivers

The Road to Safety: Driving Tips for Teen Drivers
(NewsUSA) - Receiving a driver's license is one of the most exciting rites of passage in a teen's life. However, it can also be an extremely nerve-racking experience for both the new driver and his or her parents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for 15-to-20-year-olds. In order to help combat this alarming statistic, here are a few tips to help your new driver stay safer on the road:

Follow the speed limit. Driving too fast and driving too slow can both be dangerous. Not only will driving the speed limit help you stay in control of your vehicle, it can also help you save fuel.

Avoid distractions. With cell phones, iPods and GPS, teens might seem like pros at multitasking, but driving is not the time for distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for just one second to send a text or change songs can make a huge difference in your response time for avoiding a collision.

Pay attention to your surroundings. Not only should you pay attention to the road directly in front of you, but make sure to check your rearview and side mirrors regularly. If you're on a residential street, watch for children playing in the road and other pedestrians.

Speak Up! If you're in a vehicle with a friend who is driving too fast, constantly switching lanes, tailgating or not paying attention to the road, tell him or her you're uncomfortable. They may be trying to impress you, and a simple request will encourage them to stop driving dangerously. If they refuse, ask them to drop you off at a safe location so that you can call someone to pick you up.

Buckle Up. According to NHTSA, "Increasing seat belt use is the simplest and least expensive way to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads." In fact, NHTSA found that more than 75,000 lives were saved between 2003 and 2007 by wearing a seat belt. Taking two seconds to buckle up is the simplest action you can take to stay safer on the road. Plus, it's the law in many states.

Many organizations offer resources and comprehensive safe driving information for young drivers. For example, Bridgestone's Think Before You Drive program, www.ThinkBeforeYouDrive.org, offers a wealth of driver safety tips and games for young people, as well as information on free, innovative programs like Driver's Edge (www.DriversEdge.org), Safety Scholars (www.SafetyScholars.com) and Firestone Complete Auto Care's Car Care Academies (www.CarCareAcademy.com).

More Resources


03/28/2024
Auto industry's share of global microchip capacity rises as EVs, software grow

The automotive industry surpassed the consumer and industrial sectors in 2023 to become the third-largest end market for semiconductors worldwide as demand for automotive-grade microchips continues to grow.



more info


03/28/2024
Ford says it will consider Spain to build new utility vehicle

Politicians and unions welcomed the potential addition of a new model at the Valencia factory, which employs 4,800 people.



more info


03/28/2024
Kia recalls 427,000 Telluride crossovers over risk of rolling

The recall covers 2020-24 Telluride large crossovers.



more info


03/28/2024
How Nissan plans to get its fight back with advanced next-gen EVs

Nissan's upcoming family of modular next-generation electric vehicles will deliver dramatic improvements in cost and performance, but customers will still have to wait years before they hit showrooms.



more info


03/28/2024
Plastic Omnium changes name as it adds software, lighting

The French supplier will be known as OPMobility, reflecting a broader ambition and new product line, executives said.



more info


03/27/2024
Ally Financial appoints new CEO

Michael Rhodes will be taking over Ally Financial Inc. as CEO effective April 29, replacing former CEO Jeffrey Brown, who stepped down at the end of January 2024 to take a role as president of Hendrick Automotive Group.



more info


03/27/2024
Volkwagen's ID7 EV will come in just two trims for U.S.

Volkswagen's second EV offering for the U.S. market, the ID7, is set to arrive in the third quarter.



more info


03/27/2024
Hyundai didn't coerce former dealership to build standalone Genesis facility, Wisc. jury says

Hyundai Motor America didn't wrongfully coerce or attempt to coerce one of its former dealerships to provide an exclusive facility for its Genesis franchise, a federal jury in Wisconsin has found.



more info


03/27/2024
Audi freshens Q7 crossover for 2025

Audi's second-best seller in the U.S. has a slightly tweaked exterior.



more info


03/27/2024
China files WTO complaint over U.S. EV subsidies

China is taking its dispute with the U.S. over electric-vehicle subsidies to the World Trade Organization, challenging elements of President Joe Biden’s signature climate law passed in 2022.

 



more info




More Automobile Information:

Related Articles

Today's Performance Parts Kick Your Car Into Gear And Save Gas


How many times have you tried to accelerate onto a freeway with cars zipping by and couldn't get the power to do it safely? It's kind of scary, right?


Rack Up Some Extra Space On Your Vehicle


When you need to haul stuff for work or DIY projects around the yard, a pickup truck is invaluable. The downfall of pickup trucks is the lack of secure storage and ability to carry longer items.


Don't Get Soaked By A Water-Damaged Car


An unexpected consequence to extreme weather, such as 2012's Hurricane Sandy, is the damage it can do to all types of vehicles.


Money-Saving Tips For Car Owners


There's good news for car owners. Extending the life of their vehicle and avoiding expensive repairs may be easier than they realize.


Extreme Heat Can Burn Up Car Batteries


Because extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle's battery, it's a cool idea to have your car's battery tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.


Buyer Beware: Unsafe Used Tires For Sale


Whenever you hit the road, it's your car's tires that hit it first, so it's important they be in good shape.


Drive On: Tips To Make Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready


It's summertime and the driving is easy. At least it should be, and fun too, especially with millions of vacation-hungry drivers preparing for the great American getaway, the annual summer road trip.


Ethanol-Blended Fuel And Your Engine


The conversation around fuels, technology and conservation can sometimes get confusing.


Is Someone "Liening" On Your Car?


When buying a used car, it's important to look for problems that aren't apparent to the naked eye.


Seasonal Driving Checklist


Whether drivers are trading out their ice scrapers for an open sunroof or putting the cover on the convertible after another summer driving season, experts advise that seasonal car prep should go beyond the basic wash and wax.


Care For Your Battery Today So It Can Care For You Later


For many motorists, the battery is a case of under hood, out of mind until they're stranded by a dead battery, which can be inconvenient and even dangerous—but this doesn't have to happen to you.


Stop Sun Damage


Many drivers have found a clear way to protect themselves, their passengers and their wallets with the help of a film they can hardly see.


Don't Like Pressure? Your Tires Do


Investing a little time and effort to make sure your tires are road worthy can pay dividends when it comes to safety.


Easy Maintenance Tips


Proper vehicle maintenance doesn't only mean you and your car can spend many happy years together.


On The Road To Stress-Free Driving


With more than 5 million car crashes every year in the U.S., it's important that drivers understand what they can do to avoid a collision and also what automakers are doing to help them should they be involved in an accident.