Driving is an uphill task for most learners. However, it shouldn’t be as daunting as many people make it to be. Teenagers are more zealous when it comes to learning how to drive.
Teen Drivers Accident Statistics
Drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 represent about 15% of all drivers with licenses. At the same time, this group accounts for one out of every four road deaths. Such figures are alarming, especially because you cannot stop your teenager from taking driving lessons. As dangerous as roads are, holding them back is not a solution.
In 2018, 18% of car crashes were caused by teenagers between 9.00 pm and midnight. Educating your teenager about proper road safety practices will reduce teen crash deaths significantly. As a parent or guardian, there are tips you can offer your teenager to encourage them to be better drivers.
Here are six road safety tips for your teen learner driver.
Wearing the Seat Belt
At National Safety Products, we are all about staying safe while driving. Wearing a seat belt should be a mandatory practice even when you make a short run to the store. Encourage your teen to always wear a seat belt when they are driving. A teen driver is ten times more likely to be killed in a road crash. That is if they don’t have a seat belt on.
Putting Away the Mobile Phone
Teens are on their phones 99% of the time, due to social media and advanced smartphones. Unfortunately, teens forget to switch off their phones or put them away while driving.
It takes one text message to miss a road sign and end up crashing into another vehicle. Before starting the vehicle, have your teen driver-in-training switch off their mobile device and put it out of reach.
Sticking to the Speed Limit
All young drivers love the thrill of driving fast. On the roads, there are various signs dedicated to speed regulation. Encourage your teen to always observe the speed limit even if the next driver isn’t. Unless they are in a car race (in a regulated environment), competing with other drivers on roads is not worth it.
Following speed limit road signs help in preventing unnecessary fines and license suspensions.
Avoid Drowsy Driving
Driving, while you are fatigued, is a huge risk. Sleepiness impairs your vision and sense of judgment. Before getting on the driver’s seat, ensure you are as fresh as possible. If your teen driver is feeling drowsy, they should not drive. Remind them of the dangers of struggling to keep their eyes open and heads up.
Not Drinking and Driving
Australian law prohibits driving while drunk. Learner and probationary license holders must not have any traces of alcohol in their systems if they are driving. Remind your teen driver of the implications of driving under the influence. The law does not smile upon such an offense.
Moreover, observing speed limit road signs will be impossible when you are not sober.
Turning on the Headlights
Some people might consider this an obvious tip. Yes, turning on the headlights at night is mandatory. However, switching on your headlights during the day helps other drivers see you better. The sunlight can impair other drivers’ vision. Your headlights might be the only thing stopping them from crashing into you.
Accidents are rampant, especially with the increase in drivers on the roads. Road safety products such as speed limit road signs ensure everyone is safe on the road. The road safety rules apply whether you are a learner or an experienced driver. It is important to remind your teen driver that observing traffic rules will prevent them from landing in trouble. Besides, serious accidents can lead to death or irreversible injuries.
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