Safe Summer Driving Safety Tips For Teenage Drivers

At The Barnes Firm, we want to help teenage drivers be prepared for this next chapter in their lives. Our team of personal injury lawyers have some basic safety tips for parents to remind teen drivers about and that teenage drivers should know about to help them avoid accidents this summer.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of all accidents in the United States. When driving, keep your focus solely on the road and the drivers around you. It is recommended that cellphones are placed out of reach, so you are not tempted to use it while driving. Additionally, refrain from texting, making video or phone calls, eating, adjusting music, applying makeup, adjusting GPS, or engaging in conversations while driving. If you need to do any of these things, pull over when it is safe to do so.

Wear A Seatbelt

It is important that not only the driver, but all passengers, including those in the backseat, wear a seatbelt while driving. In the event of an accident, seatbelts reduce the risk of you being ejected from the vehicle and colliding with the interior of the vehicle or being severely injured by an airbag deploying.

Follow Speed Limits

Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents among teenagers. It is important to always follow speed limits, especially when driving though residential areas or neighborhoods. Speeding reduces your ability to react to an unexpected situation and can increase the chance of an accident occurring.

Be Prepared

Unexpected situations, such as a flat tire or a dead battery, can happen at any time. It is important to stay up to date on your vehicle maintenance and know who to contact for roadside assistance. Its’ also a good idea to store an emergency supply kit in your car that is easily accessible.

Limit Your Passengers

Teenage drivers may be tempted to pack a car with friends, but it is important to limit the number of passengers in the car to avoid distractions and assure everyone is safely riding in the car. Never allow more passengers in your vehicle than can safely sit and always make sure everyone has and is wearing a seatbelt.

Check the Weather

Summer rainstorms can happen at any time and make the roads slick and dangerous to drive on. If you’re caught in the rain while driving, reduce your speed and allow for more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you feel the weather is unsafe to drive in, pull over somewhere safe and wait until the storm passes before continuing your drive.