Did you know that October 18-24 is Teen Driver Safety week? New drivers are not equipped with the same knowledge of experienced drivers and need guidance before starting alone. Setting guidelines and rules in place can help parents have confidence when sending their teens out on the road.
Practice, Practice, Practice
No matter what anyone thinks, you cannot become an expert at something overnight. That is why teenagers need to have as much practice behind the wheel as possible. This means starting in low, uncongested areas and then slowly integrating them into the high traffic areas. In the same way, night driving needs just as many hours as daytime driving. In all, the more they drive, the better their driving skills will become.
Set Rules with Your Teens
Almost all teen drivers have a lack of experience, take higher risks, and can make some questionable decisions. Before a newly licensed driver begins driving alone on the road, make sure you set up a plan to ensure safe practices.
Basic Rules
• No use of technology or mobile devices
• No use of drugs and alcohol
• Until the age of 18, no more than 1 person in the car
• Explain the effects of speeding and the importance of road signs
Know the Dangers of Different Weather Risks
The dangers of driving in different weather conditions can be something tough for new drivers (it is still tough for experienced drivers as well). You have to explain to young drivers the hazards of the different weather conditions.
Rain
- If your windshield wipers are on then, lights need to be on
- Make sure you are not speeding through the curves or breaking too suddenly (hydroplaning)
- Keep sand in the back of your car in case the car is stuck in mud
Snow and Ice
- Maintain a slow, constant speed while driving
- Do not hit the brakes suddenly
- Do not take turns too sharply
- If your windshield wipers are on then, lights need to be on
Fog
- Be aware that visibility is extremely low
- Stay to the right of the road and maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you
- Be sure to turn the headlights to low beam
Breaking Distracted Driving Habits
It is important to know that teenagers have been watching their parents’ driving behaviors from a very young age. They noticed every use of mobile device, eating while driving, and other distracted driving habits. When a teenager begins driving, these learned habits must be broken. An estimated 6/10 teen crashes are due to distracted driving. The good news is there are programs where teenagers can learn the risks and practice safe driving habits.
The Maria Tiberi Foundation is an excellent foundation that has established programs for teenagers to experience real-life situations through a driving simulator. They have fought for more education on distracted driving through speaking engagements, fundraisers, and community awareness.
The Maria Tiberi Foundation
The Maria Tiberi Foundation was established in 2013 and was formed in memory of Maria Tiberi, Dom Tiberi’s daughter, who was tragically killed in a distracted driving car accident. Mitchell Insurance Agency holds this foundation close to our hearts because of its impact on our local community and the important message the foundation is spreading.
To learn more about Maria’s message, follow the link below.
http://www.mariatiberifoundation.org/
