The Department of Motor Vehicles has some helpful safety tips for teen drivers. Though intended for teen drivers, it’s safe to say that most of these driving tips can be used by everyone. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker wants to remind drivers to buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and maximize your own safety.
Lose the cell phone
Studies have confirmed that using a cell phone while driving is incredibly dangerous, even if used with a hands-free device. For teens, using your cell phone at all while driving in California is illegal.
Stop texting
Hands off the wheel and eyes off the road is a bad combination. Even if you’re stopped at a red light, texting while driving is still illegal.
Turn your headlights on
Having headlights on, even in the daytime, will let you see clearer and let others see you more clearly.
Stop speeding
According to the DMV, around 40% of all fatal accidents involving teenagers are caused by speeding. Unfamiliarity with the road or bad weather conditions, combined with speeding, is a recipe for accidents.
Don’t drive distracted
Teens should actively focus on avoiding distracting behaviors on the road, including innocuous distractions such as eating, drinking, or even listening to music too loudly. Any distractions can cause problems for newer drivers.
Drive alone
The more passengers a teenage driver has, the more at risk for an accident he or she is. Having just one other teenager in the vehicle can increase the risk of causing an accident twofold.
Drive defensively
Maintaining a safe distance and being aware of your surroundings can reduce the risk for an accident.
