Sure it’s exciting that you finally have your own car and are allowed to drive to your heart’s content. But try to keep in mind that you’re not the only motorist on the road and you’re basically still a beginner.
Driving mistakes happen even to the best of us. While that’s true, it shouldn’t be an excuse for you to be too complacent either, especially if you’re just starting out on driving. Here are some things you should keep in mind as a teen driver because even the tiniest mistakes can cause premature damage to your car and even mean life or death on the road.
An Average Of 9 Teenagers Die From Car Accidents Each Day
Did you know that according to statistics, car accidents kill 9 teenagers every day? Apparently, teens are 4 times more likely to get into vehicular accidents when compared to adults. This is mainly due to the fact that teen drivers tend to get panicked easily or don’t really know how to control their car well during dangerous situations like the car acting up in the middle of a highway or weather related situation like hydroplaning.
Although these mentioned conditions can definitely cause panic even to adults, most of them are still able to avoid crashes because they’re more aware of their surroundings, mind their speed more, apply proper driving rules like using signal and knowing what the different lanes are for, and are more careful in driving around risky road conditions.
So if you’re a teen and about to take on driving anytime soon, you might wanna consider taking advantage of the learning license that are usually available in most provinces or states.
The First Year Of Driving Is The Most Unsafe Time Of Driving
Your first year of driving can be considered as your first year as a baby. Most babies start to walk at around 9-12 months. So you can imagine why your first year of driving is the most unsafe period for you because you’re practically still learning and is still wobbly at it.
This is also why it is strongly advised that teens refrain from driving with others in the car in order to avoid any possible distractions from another person like chatting with you, showing you something on the phone or getting startled at something on the road while you’re on the wheels. Unlike adults, teens easily lose focus and can’t really wing it yet when it comes to driving calmly even with such distractions.
This especially crucial during extreme traffic or bad weather because you want your attention to be locked on the road and on driving and nothing else. Should you be with anyone, a parent or a driving teacher would be best to make corrections or reminders.
It’s Important To Choose The Right Driving School
Now this may vary depending on where you live and what are your localities’ rules and regulations regarding this matter. There are some places that doesn’t require you to go to a driving school while there are those that do. But if you choose to go to one, make sure that you pick well because it can make a big difference on how you turn out to be as a driver.
Driving Is A Privilege Not A Right
Now, while being allowed and able to drive can be very necessary nowadays, it’s important to understand that it is still a privilege that can be taken away and not a right.
So it’s important that you follow the rules you set out for you by your parents in order to help protect yourself and others on the road. It shouldn’t matter if you purchased your own car or insurance, there should be a mutual respect since these rules are there to guide you and keep you safe.
Driving Under The Influence Is Never Okay And Very Risky
Teens driving under the influence seems to be a rising problem year over year. Most teens drive under the influence usually because they don’t have other options to get home when they party, or simply because they’re too out of it to make to know better.
Partying is inevitable for teens, but if your parents aren’t very strict when it comes to this and is very open to picking you up from the party, then just call them. It may be a bit embarrassing for you but if it means getting home safely and not being a risk to other motorists on the road then that’s a lot cooler than the other possible scenarios.
A Clean Car Can Benefit You In A Lot Of Ways
Yes, not everybody has time to clean their car (although once a week car washing should be enough). However, if you drive every day and your windshield gets really dirty and even your weekends are hectic, a quick drive to the car groomers can get the job done. This ensures that your car not only looks presentable all the time but it also keeps your vision on the road clear. They can even provide protection for your windows so that it doesn’t get scratched easily which can also blur your vision.
Also getting your car checked for any malfunctions, like headlights and taillights keeps you and everyone else safe on the road. Having these two properly working is important so that you can be seen by other motorists on the road even in the most limited visibility conditions. That is, if you don’t want to be a part of a crash statics. Taking your vehicle to car servicing as soon as you notice that something is wrong with them, especially when it comes to electrical problem not just on the bulbs ensures all the lights are working which can prevent mishaps on the road.
The Cars blog 