As with most skills, practice makes perfect. Driving is no exception. Getting behind the wheel as a teen means you have less experience than someone a little older or with more years clocked in in the driver’s seat. As important as it is to study road skills and gain knowledge from driver ed safety courses, until you gain real-life experience, you need to be extra cautious on the road.
October 20 through 26 is Teen Driver Safety Week, implemented to spread awareness of common risk factors for teens behind the wheel and highlight the importance of safe driving. Vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Every person should get behind the wheel with the intention of driving like their life depends on it—because it does.
At DriverEd Safety, we prioritize safe driving practices among teens. Let’s review some general safety practices to recognize before getting behind the wheel.
Buckle Up
Always buckle up before shifting into drive, not five minutes down the road. Wearing your seatbelt is required by law—it’s not a suggestion. Seat belts keep you safe and secure in your vehicle, especially in case of an accident. They reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% in a car and 60% in an SUV, van, or pickup truck.
Wearing a seatbelt is equally important for passengers. Whether someone is in your car or you are the passenger, always be mindful of buckling up.
Mind The Speed Limit
Following the speed limit may seem obvious, but speeding is a common violation on the road. Speed limits exist for a reason – to keep you safe! Don’t get caught up in trying to make a green light or rushing to your destination. We promise you’re not in that big of a hurry.
As dangerous as it is to speed, it’s also a hazard to drive significantly under the speed limit. Staying within the speed limit and traffic flow is how you should approach your speed and be alert for changing speed limits. If the limits change from 30 to 25 MPH, you should, too.
Eliminate Distractions
New drivers are more prone to be tempted by distractions. Extra people in the car, music, eating or drinking, and, of course, cell phones are distractions and can increase the risk of mistakes or accidents while on the road.
Minimize distractions before you begin driving. Limit the number of people in your car at once, especially as a new driver. Talk openly with passengers, setting rules that will keep you focused on the road. Eliminating multitasking is an easy way to avoid distractions while driving. Plan ahead by eating beforehand, as a messy meal can interrupt your focus quickly. Queue up your music and directions before you shift into drive, or have a passenger do that for you. You know yourself best. If something or someone is distracting your driving, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your safety is most important.
Put The Phone Away
Accidents can happen in a split second. It only takes one glance at your phone to make an error on the road, and the consequences won’t be short-lived. Queue up your music before you leave, and if you know you’ll be tempted—set your phone on “do not disturb” or silent mode.
In Indiana, holding your phone while driving is illegal, and if you’re pulled over, you get a pretty pricey ticket. If you’re under 18, it’s illegal to use your phone while driving, even if it is hands-free.
The Only Way To Drive Is Sober
As a responsible driver, it’s never an option to drink and drive. Engaging in any substance use before getting behind the wheel can significantly impair your ability to drive. Not only is it extremely dangerous for you and others on the road, but unless you’re 21, it’s illegal to have even a sip of alcohol before driving a vehicle.
Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving, too. Speak up if you’re getting into a car with someone who’s had too much to drink. There’s never an excuse to drive under the influence, especially with options like ridesharing apps at your disposal.
Learn How To Drive Safer with Driver Ed Safety
These safety practices are meant to keep you safe on the road year-round, not just on Teen Driver Safety Week. At Driver Ed Safety, we offer an Online Course and Behind The Wheel lessons to ensure defensive driving so you can make informed decisions on the open road. Get started today!
