In the Driver's Seat: 5 Tips for New Teen Drivers

Being a new driver can be both exciting and scary. It's nice to be able to drive places without a parent or guardian, but the responsibility of driving alone can also be somewhat unnerving. Fortunately, there are some ways to make sure that everything goes smoothly in the driver's seat. In this article, I share five tips for new teen drivers and their parents.

Teen Driving Tip #1 - Drive the Speed Limit
The simplest way to avoid tickets and accidents is to drive the speed limit. This might not be appealing to a new teen driver, but it's the truth. Driving the speed limit allows for additional reaction time if something happens and allows for better control of the vehicle. Not only that, but obeying traffic laws will allow a teen driver to avoid getting tickets and having to pay fines. Finally, driving the speed limit usually results in better fuel efficiency. It's better to be late for something than to hurt oneself or another.

Teen Driving Tip #2 - Pay Attention
Another common mistake teen drivers make is to drive with a car full of friends with music playing at full volume. This makes it hard for a new driver, or even an experienced driver, to pay attention. Teen drivers need to make sure that they are paying attention to the road primarily at all times when they are driving. It's their right as drivers to request that passengers not distract them. If their friends have a hard time accepting that, they can ride in someone else's car.

Teen Driving Tip #3 - Know What to Do if...
There are certain driving scenarios that no one wants to encounter - a blown tire, hydroplaning, or being pulled over, among others. At the same time, all drivers should know what to do in these scenarios, including teen drivers. Not only can this help to prevent accidents, but it can also make the experiences less stressful. Teen drivers should have a clear idea of what to do if any of the above situations occur.

Teen Driving Tip #4 - Listen to Your Gut
Teen drivers often feel pressured by their friends to drive. If a teen driver isn't comfortable driving for whatever reason, such as foul weather, distance, or unpleasant areas of town, it's okay. It's better not to drive than to get stuck in an unpleasant situation.

Teen Driving Tip #5 - Be Courteous
Finally, teen drivers should learn to be courteous drivers. Being courteous includes not tailgating, using signals, and allowing other drivers to merge on the highway, for example. Often being courteous can help teen drivers to avoid accidents, and these are simply good habits to have in the first place.

There are no downsides to being a safe, prepared driver. Even if a teen driver's friends make fun of him or her for obeying traffic laws, they will still appreciate the fact that they are safe as passengers. Have any tips of your own for new teen drivers? Feel free to share them in the form of a comment below. Drive safely, and thanks for reading!