Safe Driving Tips for Teenagers

Most young people think and drive like they are indestructible. The sad truth is teen driving is the number 1 killer of kids between 16 and 19. Sadly, recent stats show this deadly trend is not reversing. Most of the vehicle fatalities teenagers get in can be prevented. There are several crucial safe driving tips for teenagers that, if applied, can significantly reduce the chance of getting into a severe crash. Let’s explore some startling stats about this problem and then go over some ideas to make anyone a better motorist.

Vehicular Deaths among Teens is a huge Problem

The center for disease control or CDC has some shocking stats that have been released about this group of motorists. Unfortunately, 2,163 teenagers aged 16-19 lost their lives in automobile accidents in 2013. Almost another 250,000 received medical care after a crash involving a vehicle. This breaks down to a daily death count of 6 per day, each and every day. The CDC reported that although younger Americans, aged 15-24, account for about 14% of the population, they cause 30% of vehicle-related costs, which is an alarming stat. It boils down to the riskiest age group of drivers in the U.S are those in the 16-19 range. Male teen motorists are more than 300% statistically more likely to get into a fatal accident than those over 20 years of age.

Because of scary stats like these, some parents refuse to let their children get licensed until they are 18 and are legal adults. Other worried parents that have the money are installing strict performance controls that do not allow excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvers. The frustrating part of these statistics is that teenagers can be great drivers if they get educated and practice defensive driving. It would also lower their auto insurance rates quite a bit if these horrible accidents were significantly reduced.

There’s always been a big debate about what sex is the better driver. For the teenage group between sixteen and nineteen, there is no comparison. Male teens are the deadliest drivers and get into twice the crashes rate as females of the same age. Another huge risk factor is passengers in the car. This often causes kids to show off and drive wildly, which often leads to incidents and, unfortunately, vehicle deaths. Statistics show the risk goes up with the addition of each young passenger. So if you see a car full of 5 or 6 teenagers, give them plenty of room because the chances are that automobiles will be doing dangerous maneuvers at a high rate of speed.

These risky drivers often underestimate dangerous conditions like ice and rain and take turns way too fast or don’t properly judge stopping distance. They also tailgate more often and take on way too many risks on the roadways. Get a free good2go insurance quote in 5 minutes or less and lower your coverage today.

Probably the worst stat out there are the alcohol-related deaths of teenage drivers. Over 70% of deaths between the ages 15 and 20 involved alcohol. Recent laws to deter drunk driving seem to be working with older adults, but youngsters are still taking huge risks behind the wheel and driving intoxicated. This super risky behavior puts the driver and passengers at risk and everyone else that is sharing the road with these selfish impaired drivers.

Safe Driving Tips for Young Drivers

1. Wear your seatbelt at all times

Many teens still think it is uncool to put on a seat belt. This is not only stupid but can be deadly. Always wear your seat belt at all times, no matter what your age.

2. Do Not Mix Alcohol and Driving

If you are under 21, then it is against the law to consume alcohol and, even worse, get behind the wheel drunk. Stay away from alcohol and driving at all times.

3. Take a Certified Safety Course

Youngsters can be cocky and think they know everything about driving their first day behind the wheel. There is, however, so much useful information they can learn, like essential defensive driving strategies. If you complete a certified course, it will also lower your auto insurance costs by about 5% or more.

4. Don’t Drive While Tired

While it is not as deadly as DUIs, drowsy driving can quickly kill. If you feel tired, pull over right away and take a quick nap or switch drivers.

5. Obey all Traffic Laws – especially Speed Limits

Driving too fast is a giant killer of teenagers. The speed limits are there for a reason, so obey them. If conditions are rainy or snowy, slow down even more and always drive carefully.

6. Do not use a Cellphone on the Road

Young people practically have their smartphones growing out of their hands. These devices injure and kill thousands of teen drivers each year. If you are operating a motor vehicle, turn your cell phone off and leave it off until you get out of the car. This simple advice could save your life.

Now that you have learned about some excellent safe driving tips, get a free rate quote from good to go insurance company. You can compare rates from up to 10 insurance providers and select the coverage you need, all online. Get started now and reduce your insurance bill by 40% or more.