According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics, teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 years of age, are at a higher risk for accidents than any other age group. Some of the reasons teenagers are thought to create a higher risk are their lack of driving experience, risk taking behaviors, low-perception abilities, and drug or alcohol use while driving. There are some ways teenagers can stay safe while on the street and reduce their risk of becoming a statistic.
Teenage Car and Driving Safety
Teenager drivers should drive alone until they have gained substantial driving experience. According to dmv.ca.gov, carrying passengers increases the risk of having an accident by 3 1/2 percent. The more passengers teenage drivers are carrying, the more likely a fatal accident will occur. Passengers often cause distractions that might cause teen drivers to make unnecessary mistakes. If teens must travel with passengers, they should ensure they are quiet to avoid driving accidents. In addition, teenage drivers should keep their eyes on the road at all times, and avoid looking in the rearview mirror at passengers when speaking. To avoid driving accidents, teen drivers should pay careful attention to the road.
Driving Drunk and Teens
A very important teenager car tip is to not drink or do drugs. Regardless of age, drinking or consuming drugs while driving does contribute to an increased risk of accident occurrence. Driving drunk or while on illegal substances can impair teenage drivers enough to substantially slow reaction time. If a situation occurs where they must use their reflexes, teen drivers may not be able to move fast enough to avoid an accident. Teens who have had too much to drink or are unable to drive safely, should call a cab, parent or friend to pick them up.
Texting and Teen Drivers
Teens drivers should avoid texting while driving. Texting has been shown to impair driving ability to a greater degree than alcohol consumption. The process of looking up and down at the phone while texting is enough time to become involved in a serious accident. It only takes one person stopping, changing lanes, or swerving unexpectedly to cause a major car accident. Teen drivers should also avoid using a handheld cell phone. Cell phone usage is illegal in some states while driving, and can contribute to driving accidents.
Safe Teen Driving
Teenagers should avoid speeding, tailgating and driving carelessly. Swerving in and out of traffic and driving too fast contributes to a great majority of car accidents caused by teenage drivers. Most cars and trucks weigh over 2000 pounds and should not be treated as toys. Even if teen drivers feel their own driving is exceptional, there may be other people on the road who will make unpredictable moves that can cause an accident. If a teen driver is going too fast, they may not have enough time to react. Teen car safety includes leaving at least 2 car lengths between vehicles to allow time to stop quickly when necessary and avoid driving accidents.
Driving Safety Tips
States require that all vehicle occupants wear a seatbelt. A seatbelt is the first line of defense in a car accident. According to a 2005 study by the CDC (www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html), three out of four teens who are killed in driving accidents were not wearing their seatbelts. It is important that teenage drivers and passengers wear their seatbelts properly as well. Teens should not tuck the belt under their arm for comfort purposes. If the seatbelt fits incorrectly, drivers should visit an auto parts store and purchase a seatbelt adjustor to increase comfort levels. Teen drivers should ensure that all of their passengers wear a seatbelt at all times.
Because teen driving is often hazardous, learning basic procedures will help them to stay safe on the road. By practicing driving habits that include slowing down, wearing seatbelts, and using a hands free mobile phone, teens are more likely to avoid accidents.
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