Getting your driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones you’ll experience in your teen years. Not having to rely on your parents for a ride opens the door of possibility and provides you with a newfound freedom. However, no matter how you look at it, driving is still a dangerous activity and there are several things you should keep in mind as a new driver to stay safe. These are the top four vital safety tips for teen drivers to know and how they can mitigate your risk of an accident.
Don’t Slam the Pedals
It’s basic instinct to slam on the brakes when you find yourself closer to another car than you expected. But making a habit of this not only puts extra strain on your vehicle, but it also makes you more likely to rear-end someone. Accelerating too quickly from a stop can do the same things by increasing the wear on your tires and positioning you too close to the car in front of you. So, it’s crucial that you step on each pedal with control.
Watch for Road Signs
It’s also important that you keep an eye out for road signs. While checking your mirrors ensures that you stay aware of what’s going on around you, looking for road indicators keeps you informed about potential road hazards ahead. They’ll also make sure you’re compliant with local driving rules, and, therefore less likely to get a ticket.
Know How To Identify a Drunk Driver
You might go into your first few years of driving thinking that intoxicated motorists are rare. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case. Believe it or not, drunk drivers are among the leading causes of car accidents each year, and knowing how to identify them is your key to avoiding danger. As such, make sure you keep your distance from anyone who’s driving erratically. You may even want to familiarize yourself with how to file a lawsuit should you find yourself in a collision with one of these individuals.
Clearly Communicate Your Actions
The most vital safety tip for teen drivers to remember though is that you should always communicate your plans when behind the wheel. Whether you’re making a turn or just changing lanes, indicating these actions helps ensure that other drivers will stay out of your way. However, just because you signal does not mean you have the right of way. You still need to make sure you can safely turn or change lanes. In most cases, upon seeing your signal, other drivers will either speed up or slow down to make the necessary space for you. So, don’t forget to use this tool to avoid hazardous situations.
Adopting these safe driving practices now will help them become a habit for you as you gain additional experience. Plus, staying safe means that you can enjoy this newfound independence to the fullest.