Back to School!

DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT DRIVER?

Have a new driver in your home? School is back in session and that may mean more driving for your teenager. New drivers are still learning the ropes out on the road and we’ve got some tips as they work to gain more experience. Good luck out there and be safe!

PRACTICE
Don’t just practice driving in empty parking lots. You need to learn to merge onto a busy highway, change lanes in traffic, drive in a city, and handle a car in various weather conditions. While we don’t recommend heading out in a snowstorm, you do want to get used to driving in various situations. If there’s something you don’t like, practice it even more, until you’ve conquered your fears enough to drive safely.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Some people feel calmer with music playing. Others become distracted by their favorite tunes. Know yourself, and don’t take risks. If you do want to play music, start it before you leave your driveway. Don’t mess with buttons and playlists while you’re in traffic.

LOOK AHEAD AND BEHIND
Don’t just focus on the car right in front of you. Keep an eye on the traffic further up, and look for potential obstacles. Check behind you regularly as well, and make sure there isn’t someone tailgating you.

DON’T TAILGATE. EVER.
Tailgating isn’t just rude: it’s extremely dangerous and is actually the cause of most rear-end collisions. Many states are now enacting laws that hold tailgaters immediately responsible for their actions. There’s a reason for this: if you’re too close, the odds of you hitting the car in front of you are much higher.

AVOID FAST STOPS AND STARTS
Keep an eye on traffic lights: if the light ahead is red or yellow, start slowing down immediately. And when that light turns green, don’t show off by flooring the gas pedal.

WATCH YOUR BLIND SPOT
Blind spots are one of the most dangerous aspects of driving, particularly when passing. Get to know your car, and figure out where your blind spot is. We also recommend looking back by turning your head: better safe than sorry!

KEEP AN EYE ON ROAD SIGNS
It can be easy to look straight ahead and miss a stop sign, traffic light, or speed limit sign. These aren’t the only things you need to be watchful of, however. Hidden drives, children at play, and other caution signs are there for a reason: to alert you of a possibly hazardous area ahead.

This is part of our August Newsletter. Click HERE to subscribe to more.