Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: 

If you are a teen driver, congratulations! You have taken the first step toward adulthood by getting your license and gaining even more of your independence. But with great power comes great responsibility. To stay safe on the road and avoid accidents, here are a few things you should know before you hit the road:

Always stay focused.

You should always stay focused on your driving. That means no texting while driving, eating, putting on makeup, or changing clothes while you’re behind the wheel. It doesn’t matter if you’re going around the block or across town on a long road trip—you need to be fully present to drive safely.

Driving requires constant attention and concentration. You can’t let anything distract you from it—not even music! Your brain needs to be engaged in every aspect of what’s happening around you to react quickly when something unexpected happens. In addition to being more alert, make sure not to get too tired when driving.

Learn how to handle adverse weather conditions.

Be aware of changing weather conditions. The weather can change instantly and become a big part of your driving experience, especially when learning how to drive. If it looks like rain, ensure you have the right tires for the road conditions (i.e., don’t try driving with all-season tires on gravel).

With this in mind, be aware of what type of vehicle you are driving and its capabilities during adverse weather conditions. For example, if you’re driving an SUV or truck with four-wheel drive capabilities and need traction for slippery roads due to snow or ice, make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

Lastly: always keep a fully-charged phone with emergency services numbers stored in it at hand when behind the wheel.

Never drive when you are distracted.

According to car accident statistics, distracted driving is one of the significant causes of car crashes. It’s up to you to ensure you’re not distracted by anything while behind the wheel because one careless moment can be all it takes to kill yourself or someone else. 

Distracted driving could be anything that takes your mind off the road, even for a split second. So, this means texting, talking on the phone, eating while driving, or even talking to your passenger has the potential to cause an accident. 

Stay away from alcohol and drugs.

It should go without saying that you shouldn’t drink alcohol or use drugs before driving. Not only is this illegal, but it also puts you at an increased risk for a car accident. So, if you decide to consume alcohol or drugs, stay away from the wheel and find another way home safely.

If you’ve never had a DUI before, your state’s laws may vary depending on how long they will suspend your license if they catch you doing reckless driving (such as speeding). In some states, being caught speeding can result in a fine or even jail time! On top of all that, many states will require convicted offenders to take classes focused on ensuring they’ll never make this mistake again. So please: don’t drink and drive!

Learn how to control your speed.

To avoid being pulled over by the police, don’t speed. It’s a simple rule that keeps you safe and makes your parents happy.

A good way to control your speed is to keep the recommended speed limit in mind and drive at a comfortable pace. If you’re going too slow, it can be harder for other drivers to pass; if you’re going too fast, then stopping quickly could be dangerous. When driving on curves or hills, make sure not to go so fast that it catches other drivers off guard or causes them to swerve out of their lane and into yours.

Conclusion

The road is a dangerous place, and it can be even more so for teen drivers. Hopefully, these tips can help you to stay safe while on the road, so you can have independence without worry.

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