Did you know that the highest percentage of car crashes involve drivers who are between 16 and 19 years old? In fact, according to the CDC, this age group is three times more likely than older drivers to be involved in a fatal crash. The risk is even higher for male drivers, especially if they have other young people in the car.
The threat of an accident is serious, but that doesn’t mean teenagers shouldn’t be allowed behind the wheel at all. Driving gives youths their first taste of the freedom and independence of adulthood. It’s also a necessary life skill for many, particularly in areas where public transportation is practically non-existent.
The catch? It’s important for both teens and parents to approach driving from the right perspective. And that means learning about critical safety tips like these.
#1 Click It or Ticket — Or Worse!
Refusing to wear a seatbelt might result in a traffic citation, but it could also lead to injury or death in an automotive collision. Seatbelt safety should be the very first rule of the road teens learn. The car should always stay parked until every single passenger is wearing a seatbelt properly.
#2 Don’t Drive Drowsy or Drunk
Everyone knows that driving drunk is dangerous (not to mention illegal), but it’s just as dangerous to drive while drowsy. Falling asleep at the wheel accounts for many car accidents. Choose a designated driver or utilize public transportation like Lyft or Uber when consuming alcohol to avoid drunk driving.
To deal with drowsy driving, consider stopping for a 20-minute power nap, drinking caffeinated beverages, turning down your vehicle’s temperature to make it colder, singing along to the radio, or pulling over for some quick jumping jacks or another exercise. It may feel a little weird to get in your cardio on the side of the road, but you’ll be glad you did it when you’re more awake and able to drive safely.
#3 Pay Attention to Medication Warnings
Labels on medications will tell you if it’s unwise to operate heavy machinery while taking it. Since most of you probably aren’t riding tractors and forklifts, it’s safe to assume this warning includes automobiles. Some medications could make you sleepy or impair the speed of your reactions. Make sure you understand the side effects before getting behind the wheel.
#4 Don’t Text and Drive
Don’t text and drive. Or Google and drive. Or search for playlists and drive. Basically, if it involves looking at your phone, don’t do it! Ask a passenger to do it for you or find a place to pull over. Putting down your phone for the duration of your drive just might save your life.
#5 Use Hands-Free Devices
Talking on the phone in the car is a common behavior. Make sure to use Bluetooth technology or other hands-free devices to do so safely. This may seem like common sense, but it can be tempting to reach for the phone if our devices aren’t charged or readily available.
#6 Don’t Neglect Scheduled Maintenance
Automobile safety includes taking good care of what you drive. Regular oil changes and tire rotations can help maintain your vehicle and keep it driving safely.
It’s important to purchase new tires as needed over the life of your vehicle and to make sure you pay attention to any noises that could indicate a problem. Tune off the music every once in a while, just to listen to your car’s noises. It may help you understand what it normally sounds like versus what it sounds like when something is wrong.
#7 Don’t End Up on E
It’s wonderful that most newer cars will tell you how many miles you can go until your gas tank is empty. This isn’t meant to be a game called “How Low Can You Go?” Make sure to keep your tank filled up as much as you can to avoid running out of gas.
Not only is running out of gas embarrassing, but it can also be dangerous. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere alone, out late at night, or in an area with poor cell phone reception. A good rule of thumb is to keep the gas tank filled versus waiting for a light to tell you you’re near empty.
#8 Be Prepared for Emergencies
You can be the safest driver out there and still end up stranded on the side of the road. It’s a good practice to keep a spare tire on hand and know how to change a flat. You can also prepare for emergencies by including roadside assistance on your car insurance.
Invest in an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, a multipurpose tool, reflective triangles, a tripod jack, a car charger for your phone, snacks, bottled water, and a first aid kit.
The National Safety Council also recommends including a fire extinguisher, duct tape, a rain poncho, cat litter for traction when your wheels get stuck, and blankets for cold weather. It doesn’t hurt to have a change of clothes, too, in case you need to change a tire in the rain or snow.
#9 Practice Driving in Inclement Weather
Teen drivers are inexperienced, which is where practice comes in. Teens should learn to drive in all kinds of weather. Cruising down the road on a rainy day with black ice on the pavement is far different from driving in the summer sun. Even driving in the fog can help you learn to navigate limited visibility. Practicing in a variety of conditions can help you acclimate to changes quickly and be more prepared when you need to be.
#10 Follow Safety Road Rules at All Times
It’s easy to rush when you’re in a hurry, but you won’t get where you’re going any faster if you end up in an accident. It’s important to drive safely and obey road rules at all times. Check mirrors before changing lanes, take care not to follow other vehicles too closely, watch for road debris and make sure your speed doesn’t land you with a ticket or contribute to a car accident. Being a cautious driver will help you experience the freedom of being a driver while lowering the risk of becoming a teen driving statistic.
Driving can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. One of the best ways to teach a teenager to be a good driver is to model safe driving behaviors. Cut out the road rage and make sure you aren’t demonstrating distracted driving. Car accidents may be an everyday reality, but it’s still possible to make changes that contribute to a safer driving experience.
