Teen drivers, or, say, adolescent drivers, are most likely to have risky behaviors while driving. Research says regardless of their sex, the most common causes of risky teen driving are cellphone usage and speeding.
Smartphones are a major part of our lives, and we most surely can’t stop a teen from using them. At the same time, having a car or driving is a newfound experience for them, so the excitement or adrenaline is on another level. However, what we can do is to tell them how to drive safely.
Did you know how much time it takes for you to check a text while driving? Well, only 5 seconds. But these 5 seconds can be the reason behind a fatal car accident. Let us talk about some safety tips with some facts for teen drivers to help them in self-compliance.
5 Safety Tips For Teen Drivers
In the US, the age for getting a learner’s permit or driver’s license varies from state to state. However, on average, the right age varies between 14-16 years for obtaining a learner’s permit. And, for the driver’s license, whether it is a full license or an unrestricted one, the age varies between 16 and 18 years.
Tip 1. Buckle Up Every You Hit The Road
This tip is the most obvious one, but it is worth repeating because most of us, regardless of our age group, take it lightly. Why is that so? Because when we were young, no one repetitively taught us about the importance of seatbelts. So, it is best to instil this habit from now.
To show you what difference it can make, NHTSA has declared that 14,955 lives were saved in 2017 because of wearing seatbelts. These not-so-insignificant belts can make a huge difference as they decrease the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
So, start from this young age and make it a non-negotiable habit and even make sure every passenger with you is buckled up.
Tip 2. Religiously Follow The Speed Limits And Road Rules
For every teenager out there, speeding is a thrill, and they give in to this adrenaline rush. However, this speeding has taken many lives so far. As per the GHSA report, 43% of teen drivers and passengers faced fatal deaths due to speeding between 2015 and 2019.
So, you don’t want to end up like them. Always, always obey your speed limits, traffic signs, and all driving laws. No matter how good of a driver you are, don’t get it over your head. Being a teenager, you don’t try to drive beyond your experience or comfort level, especially in bad weather or unfamiliar conditions.
Tip 3. Your Phone Is A Distraction
You might have heard this already, but remember that when you are on the road, you put your phone away! Whether it is a hand-held phone or a hands-free phone, using a cell phone itself is a cognitive distraction for a driver. Do you know distracted driving has resulted in around 3,142 deaths in the US in 2020? That’s a massive loss for a nation.
Texting, talking on the phone, or even fiddling with the radio can take your focus off the road and lead to an unfortunate car accident. So, we would suggest you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. If you want to use your phone, park your car at the side of the road.
Tip 4. Sober Up Before Driving
Teenage life is all about fun and partying, and alcohol and drugs for recreational purposes are a part of it. Driving drunk won’t give you the right state of mind or control over your vehicle. When you know you are under the influence of a drug or alcohol, it is best for you not to drive yourself home.
For those who find themselves in such scenarios more often, it might be beneficial to consider a product like Detoxify Mega Clean. It’s designed to cleanse your system, potentially helping you sober up faster.
To back it up, we have dug a little into drunk driving and found that about 13,384 individuals fatally died in 2021. These deaths show how much alcohol-impaired driving has cost the families of the deceased.
Remember that it’s illegal, dangerous, and completely irresponsible. If you’re at a party or gathering, call a parent, friend, or taxi to get home safely.
Tip 5. Don’t Drive With A Sleepyhead
Not every time we hit the road; we are all energetic and full of life. In most circumstances, when we are driving back home or reaching a destination, we are tired and sleepy. Some people can’t control their drowsiness and might even have sudden waves of sleepiness. In this situation, the driver might lose the balance of the vehicle.
You know, in a study, it is mentioned that drowsy driving is a cause of 26.5% of road accidents in the US. It’s like being tired behind the wheel is just as dangerous as under the influence. If you’re feeling sleepy, pull over and take a break before continuing your journey.
No matter what, keep learning and improving. These safety tips for teen drivers are just the base of your action plan. It is on you how you take your and others’ lives seriously when you are on the road. If you think you need more help, take advantage of driver education courses, and always be open to feedback and legal advice from an experienced Nashville injury lawyer.
