Are you planning on teaching your teen how to drive this Summer? Great! We know this can be an exciting yet frightening time for everyone involved. But, we have dedicated this week’s blog to tips for new teen drivers! Or maybe they’re some tips that you can begin practicing in your everyday travels. Regardless, our tips can be applied to anyone driving routine and will make the roadway safer for everyone. Check them out below and let us know which ones work best for you!

# 1: Minimize distractions – these can be anything from other passengers to the radio to your cell phone. Keep these to a minimum and never do anything that will take your attention from the roadway. You should give 100 percent of your attention to driving whenever you slip behind the wheel. Driving solo can reduce the risk of a collision and will minimize distractions when a teen is behind the wheel.

#2: Turn off your cell phone – cell phones have only caused problems when you’re behind the wheel, even if it is hands-free. Turn it off, stow it and give all your attention to the road. Your phone can become very distracting and will only put you in danger when you are behind the wheel. NO texting, NO calls, NOTHING stow it and don’t put yourself or others at risk.

#3: Obey the rules – pay attention to road signs, speed limits, and other rules of the road. These rules/ laws are designed to keep you and other drivers safe each time you set out for a journey. Set yourself up for success and practice the rules of the road.

#4: Defense driving is helpful – always be aware of your surroundings and stay at least one car length away from the car you are following. This will act as a buffer zone and will give you enough time to react in the event of a collision or other roadway conditions. *Some insurance agencies will offer discounts if you participate in their defensive driving course to improve your driving skills.*

It is important to teach your teen these safe driving tips to ensure they are sculpted into a safe driver, even when you are not in the vehicle with them.