Whether you’re a new driver or you have a new driver, learning how to drive a vehicle can be a stressful situation. Even after they receive their license, letting them go out alone leaves you worried and wishing they would just come home already! That’s why it is important to continuously teach, remind, and set a good example for new drivers.

It is a fact that the number of accidents in correlation with new drivers is way higher than those of drivers that have been driving for years. This is understandable though, with the lack of experience accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean we cannot prevent them. So if you’re a new driver, check out the tips below and make sure to enforce them when you are driving. The more you practice something the easier it is to become a habit. Safe driving means fewer accidents. Mom or dad, if you’re reading this be sure to enforce this for your new driver as well, but remember that these apply to you as well. Children learn by example. So if you are disobeying these rules, chances are your child will too.

Tips:

Keep your cell phone off:

• It’s no secret that texting while driving is a huge epidemic when it comes to all drivers, but especially when it comes to teen drivers. The best thing you can do for yourself is to turn off your phone completely, or if that is too hard for you, put it on airplane mode or a mode that disables messages. It might be hard to not have your phone but it will be better than getting into an accident and hurting yourself or someone else.

Turn your headlights on:

• Using your headlights increase your visibility and help others see you. Even if you think it is bright enough, you should still have them on at times like the early morning or early evening (dusk).

Obey the speed limit:

• Speeding is a major contribution to teen driving, especially when there is a lot of traffic. Obeying the speed limit is important because it gives you time to react in the case you need to come to a stop fast or something else happens unexpectedly.  

Driving solo:

• According to the DMV, having one passenger with a teen driver behind the wheel can double the risk of an accident. Teen drivers do not have the experience and skills of an adult driver, having even one person in the car can cause an extreme distraction…now imagine a full vehicle! Driving solo is a much safer bet in most instances.

Practice defensive driving:

• Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you. It’s better to know your surroundings and have a plan in case an unexpected incident occurs. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you at slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds.

Choose a safe vehicle:

• If possible try to drive a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and airbags, and one with an excellent crash safety record