Everyday a new teenager gets their license. That means that every single day there are new young drivers on the road. Driving is a part of our everyday lives and at times road safety is neglected. Did you know that getting behind the wheel is likely one of the most dangerous things you do? According to the CDC, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States. Doug Yates Towing & Recovery wants to minimize that statistic. In our latest blog we are going to discuss helpful tips to keep kids safe on the road in 2023. Be sure to share this article with friends and family and don’t forget to search for a “towing service near me” if you are in need of our towing services. Here are some road safety tips for young drivers.
8 Helpful Road Safety Tips For Young Drivers
Do Not Drink And Drive
Any impairing substance and driving is never a good idea, no matter how little you may have. Alcohol, for instance, can severely slow down a driver’s central nervous system functioning and cause a major or fatal accident. Drivers are legally over the limit if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent. With that being said, commercial truck drivers, as well as kids under 21 must be completely sober at all times. If a kid or commercial truck driver is found to be intoxicated, the driver may face civil penalties if they caused an accident that led to injuries. Simple put, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Wear A Seat Belt
I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “Click It or Ticket”. This seat-belt-enforcement campaign was initiated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The overall goal is to improve road safety. Wearing a seatbelt can save your life. According to statistics from the CDC, seat belts reduce the risk of death for motor vehicle passengers and drivers by approximately forty-five percent. Additionally, they lessen the risk of sustaining a severe injury in a car accident by fifty percent. It’s simple, wear a seat belt and save your life in the case of an accident.
Obey The Speed Limit
Speed limits are posted for a reason. Not to create traffic but to minimize accidents and keep drivers safe. In several states, we notice that people exceed the speed limit. It’s a good idea to maintain a speed that’s similar to the cars around you. This is called “driving with the flow of traffic”. With that being said, that doesn’t mean you need to speed just because other people are. If you are feeling pressured to drive faster by the vehicles around you, move into the right lane, where you can maintain a safer speed.
Minimize Distractions
Distracted driving has become more of an issue over the last decade or so. With new young drivers on the road, some find it hard to put down their devices and focus on the road. This is vital to safe driving these days. Distractions lead to mistakes and mistakes lead to accidents. Minimize any and all distractions before you start your trip. Adjust your mirrors, seat, and climate before you start driving. By setting these things ahead of time, you avoid distractions while you drive.
Additionally, if you have a smartphone, place it in “Do Not Disturb” while driving to reduce calls and text that may be distracting as well. Even a split second of distractions can lead to a serious accident or fatal crash. In several states there are even “Hands Free” laws in place to minimize these distractions. If caught with these devices, law enforcement are able to issue you a ticket. Be smart and drive safe.
Maintain A Safe Distance
Tailgating or following too closely, has been the cause of roughly 30% of car accidents, according to the NHTSA year after year. A lot can happen in just a split second, so keeping a safe distance is important. The 3-second rule has been taught forever and gives drivers enough time to react to most situations that can happen on the road. So what is the 3-second rule? This rule basically suggests that you should always keep three seconds worth of room between you and other drivers. Following this rule of thumb can greatly reduce your chances of crashing running into someone on the highway. If anything else, slow down and move out of the way for people aggressively driving.
Proper Vehicle Maintenance
For new drivers it’s important to know about the vehicle you own or are driving. Make sure you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance and repairs. If you are set out on a long road trip, it is even more important. Maintenance neglect can lead to costly repairs or even an accident. Whenever you take your vehicle in for an oil change, ask your mechanic to perform a visual inspection of your vehicle. These simple tasks can prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.
Defensive Driving
Drive defensively is always the safe bet. Aggressive driving increases the risk of accidents and can lead to a fatal crash. If you come into contact with an aggressive driver on the road, simply move over and let them pass. Aggressive driving leads to road rage and no one has time for that. Defensive driving involves proactively using techniques that mitigate risk. If you need more information on defensive driving, several states offer defensive driving courses. As a bonus, most insurance companies even offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses. Check into them and be safe on the roads.
Plan Ahead
Lastly, the best thing for young drivers to do is plan ahead. Know where you are going and how long it will take you. Let people know where you may be headed so that someone can do something in the case of an emergency. At the end of the day, we want everyone to be safe on the roads and highways. The more you know about your travels before hand the less likely you will have distractions and more focused on the road. Be safe and drive carefully.
Need Affordable Towing Services? Call Us Today!
Doug Yates Towing & Recovery always wishes new and young motorists the safest journey, but gaining knowledge about road safety is essential. In an emergency, we highly recommend finding the best and most responsive towing service with state-of-the-art equipment and a professional and trained team like Doug Yates Towing & Recovery. If you find yourself in an accident, be sure to give us a call and one of our drivers will be there to assist you in no time.