Driving safely is a vital part of our everyday lives, whether that means driving to the store, the park, or your place of work, such as a company like Haines or a hospital. And while it might be second nature to many of us, young drivers are less experienced and haven’t mastered the habits that make a safe driver. Here are some of the best habits you can instill in your young driver to keep them safe on the road.
1. Buckle Up
Wearing your seatbelt should be the first thing you do upon entering your vehicle. Doing so has the potential to keep the driver safe and secure in the case of an accident or quick break. Young drivers might be apprehensive about wearing their seatbelts, whether because they think it’s unnecessary if they’re only going a short distance or because they think it’s uncool to do so, but creating a habit of wearing it each time you get behind the wheel will make them more likely to buckle up when they’re an adult.
2. Avoid Distractions
The road is full of distractions: car conversations, other cars pulled over, passing attractions, animals, phones, and more. Young drivers are prone to becoming distracted at a higher average than experienced ones, so instilling the importance of staying focused on the road is incredibly important. Doing so can help avoid accidents that could endanger them as well as others.
3. Speed Limit
The speed limit is there for a reason, and while some people may choose to ignore it, you don’t want your teen to do so. Perhaps nobody will bat an eye at the occasional five over, but going ten or even twenty miles over the speed limit is just asking for trouble. They’ll either be smacked with a hefty ticket or end up endangering themselves and other drivers.
4. Keep Calm
Road rage can get the best of us from time to time, but if you can help it, it will make your ride a more pleasant experience. The same can be said for your teen driver, so it’s best to set an example. Staying calm will keep them in a better mood, but it can also prevent them from doing something they’ll regret, such as angering another driver. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was, because people can do crazy things when provoked, and you don’t want them on the other side of it.
Aside from road rage, it’s important to remain calm when driving in a stressful situation like a storm or high traffic. Remind them to take a deep breath and keep calm.
5. Safe Driving
The absolute most important thing to instill in your young driver is to drive safely. This means abiding by the rules of the road, being aware of your surroundings and other drivers, and being familiar with your vehicle.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong behind the wheel, but by practicing safe driving, young drivers will be all the more prepared.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
