What safe driving tips would you offer teens learning to drive?

Question

A recent study of automobile accidents suggests that teens are becoming better drivers. What advice would you offer teens who are getting behind the steering wheel for the first time?
Read more:
http://ca.pfinance.yahoo.com/ca_finance_insurance/36/are-teens-becoming-better-drivers

Answer 1

TAKE A DRIVERS EDUCATION COURSE!!!!!

In my 33 years of driving I have not had a single traffic ticket or accident caused by me. I was t-boned last year because someone was not paying attention and flew through a stop sign. The same thing happened at the same intersection just the other day but I pay more attention to these intersections now and plan on raising this issue with the city, as more and more townhouses are forcing traffic onto side streets as short cuts.

I owe the fact I have survived this long with a safe driving record to the wonderful driving instructions I got through HIGH SCHOOL...because the Young Drivers course was offered AFTER SCHOOL for 10 weeks and what I learned there has been INVALUABLE and I am 100 percent confident that is why I am and always have been a good DEFENSIVE and ALERT driver.

Many drivers today, are clueless. Not just teens either. I believe our standards have diminished considerably when it comes to who should get the PRIVILEGE to drive a car, and perhaps it's time we put the ONUS back onto government, who should make it MANDATORY that classroom instructions are taught to all future WOULD BE drivers in this country (Canada).

People today have no idea about the rules of the road, and are in such a hurry. Young drivers especially think they are invincible and let me tell you, you are not, and the safety of pedestrians has been greatly jeapardized as more and more motorists expect pedestrians to give THEM the right of way, and almost get annoyed at the inconvenience of having to stop at an intersection.

So my greatest advice, to most teens, who I KNOW have GOOD COMMON SENSE, is to take the time to take a good driving course, which teaches you many great things including getting to know your vehicle and it's parts, safety and maintenance etc. You should know your road, your signage, your rights and your vehicle, as well as your responsibility as a person entitled with the right to drive. It could save YOUR life or the life of another.

And I agree...CELL PHONES should be banned...it's the only way to get the dummies who think a vehicle was meant to be steered with one hand while their head is off in la-la land to listen.

I hold the government accountable for their inaction on that issue.

Does anyone even know that they should drive one car length behind a vehicle for every 10 miles they are doing? That is the distance you need to safely stop your vehicle. Show me anyone who drives that way anymore on the highway...when you do, they tell you that YOU are the one with the driving problem!!!

As parents I think you need to be the ones who need to be responsible in knowing if your child is mature enough to have the responsibility of driving.

Answer 2

I have not had a single traffic ticket or accident caused by me. I was t-boned last year because someone was not paying attention and flew through a stop sign. The same thing happened at the same intersection just the other day but I pay more attention to these intersections now and plan on raising this issue with the city, as more and more townhouses are forcing traffic onto side streets as short cuts.

I owe the fact I have survived this long with a safe driving record to the wonderful driving instructions I got through HIGH SCHOOL...because the Young Drivers course was offered AFTER SCHOOL for 10 weeks and what I learned there has been INVALUABLE and I am 100 percent confident that is why I am and always have been a good DEFENSIVE and ALERT driver.

Many drivers today, are clueless. Not just teens either

Answer 3

Taking a drivers course is probably the best thing you could do. They are costly but worth it. Then when driving, first of all be calm, not not TOO calm. Keep your guard up, but remain relaxed at the same time. Remember to scan your mirrors and try not to look RIGHT in front of the car. If you do that then you may not see the person crossing the crosswalk up ahead. Be aware of whats going on around you. It seems like a lot at first but it gets much easier the more experienced you get. Oh and it's much easier to concentrate and learn to drive in a quiet environment so turn off the radio.

P.S I don't know how many people who posted who are actually aware of the Graduated Licensing System? In BC you have the L sign for a year (after a written test) and the N for 2 years (after a road test) with restrictions on both. Those restrictions are dropped once you pass your class 5 road test.

Answer 4

Even though my sixteen year old daughter is a very responsible teenager, I still worry about her driving skills. This year, her school offered a Driver's Ed course. I was so excited. I have seen a big difference in the way she drives. She is now more alert and confident when she is behind the wheel of a car. Her father and I have set some ground rules for her that we feel will help keep her safe. Of course we told her that she should pull over to talk on the cell phone, to be aware of other drivers, and always do the speed limit, but the one rule that we have stressed, is that she is only allowed one passenger at a time. We have had a car load of teenage girls and let me tell you, the noise is deafening! It is so hard for me, a seasoned driver, to concentrate with all the giggles and everything else these girls do when they are together. We feel that with only one passenger, she wont be as distracted. So far, so good.

Answer 5

Well, the fact that you posted this question, puts you way ahead of the game. You have demonstrated that you are still wanting to learn. I taught 4 teenagers to drive and 2 of them did not get their license until they were 17. They were not motivated to learn. They were rebellious and "just wanted to learn by driving" with no lessons. If you aren't motivated to learn, then you must think that you already know it all, and that's usually when you learn something new...that you *didn't* know it all.

Remember to always check intersections before going through them, even if you have the right-of-way. Anything could come through it...an emergency vehicle, a drunk, or something so simple as someone distracted by conversation, kids, a phone call, etc. Most people will tell you that they have ran a red light by accident at one time or another. If they are seen before they enter the intersection, their's and your chances of surviving are greatly increased. Intersections are more dangerous than given credit for.

Look far ahead and try never to be surprised.

Try to anticipate other driver's needs. If you are coming up to an interstate junction of 2 interstates for example, anticipate other drivers making a last second lane change to merge onto another highway. Trucks included. A large percentage of 18 wheelers are out-of-towners driving through and aren't as familiar. Some are rookies at driving a truck, but most are skilled drivers.

On holidays, remember that everybody and their brother are probably driving on roads that they have very little or no knowledge of.

Yellow means slow down, unless someone is close behind you who is gassing on it to rush through the light. One car slowing down quickly while the one behind is speeding up equals CRASH. Sure you were following the law by stopping at the light, but do you really want to risk a lifetime of neck/back pain or worst, lose your life? Safety first, tell the police officer to kiss your bass and fight the ticket in court with the judge.

Try to get off of the road as quickly as possible when making left hand turns. Imagine your car engine dying...would I make the turn? If so, go ahead so that you eliminate the risk of being rear ended by someone who is distracted behind you. And if you DO have to stop while attempting to turn left, NEVER turn your wheel until you are ready to make the turn. If you are rear ended, your car will enter the *oncoming* lane of traffic because your wheel is turned in that direction. Not good.

After a little while of driving, you will start to feel really good about your driving skills. This will be a dangerous time for you because you may become *over* confident, giving you a false sense of being a skilled driver. No one ever gets so good at driving that they don't have to be careful. No one.

Driving safely is an ongoing thing and should be taken seriously, as I sense you already know. I'm sure you will do great because you think of safety, which is something more drivers need to think about.

Good luck and always remember to do the right thing and drive safely.

Answer 6

1. Keep a safe stopping distance between you and the driver ahead- at least 1 car length for every 10 miles per hour, more if roads conditions are wet, snowy, or visibility is poor. Think that translates to every 20 km per hr., approx. ( Think I just gave away my age ! )This leaves you reaction time if something happens ahead of you, and may help you avoid an accident.

2. Always travel along in the curb lane, whenever possible.Leave the middle lane for trucks, and the passing lane for passing. Cooler heads will prevail among other drivers if you do ! Also, when approaching an intersection, you're more visible to drivers making turns at the intersection when you're in the curb lane. They'll see you coming, and are less likely to make a turn in front of you when they can see you coming. This is called driving defensesively ! And by the way, if, when making a turn, you can't see what's coming, don't make the turn, no matter how much honking the guy behind you is making. He's not the one who will be hurt ( or killed ) by turning in front of a vehicle you couldn't see !!! Inch forward cautiously, and only turn when the way is clear, and safe to do so. A bit of patience goes a long way in staying alive.

3. No putting on makeup, eating, playing with your laptop, cell calls, etc. Driving takes your full attention- you're more likely to arrive alive if you give your driving your full attention.

4. Be continually checking your rear and sideview mirrors- it's always nice to know what the other drivers are doing, or how they're driving ( sober, apparently impaired, etc.) Then you can let an aggressive, or dangerous driver by- it's never worth getting drawn into a road rage incident. Just let it go- knowing they'll probably end up in an accident sooner than you !

5. Look forward at least 45 seconds down the road. Keep your eyes peeled for obstructions, jay-walking pedestrians, kids on bikes,road narrowing, merging traffic, construction, etc. Always be ready for anything- because anything can happen !

6. Be courteous to other drivers. Remember who has the right of way in given driving situations. If someone let's you in when the pavement suddenly narrows ( construction sites, etc.) a smile and a wave of acknowledgement goes a long way- go ahead, give someone something to smile about- perform a random act of driving kindness !

7. Give trucks and other large vehicles a wide berth, and remember if you can't see their side mirrors, they can't see you , so can easily run over you , without even knowing it. Think how large they are, and give them extra consideration when they're trying to make lane changes, etc. They'll thank you for it.

8. Learn and obey all traffic signs. This especially includes speed limit and stop signs- many people don't - don't become one of them !

9. Never forget that driving is a privilege, and not a right, and drive accordingly - you'll hang onto you license longer, if you do.

10. It should go without saying- but I'll say it anyway - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING ! EVER !

11. My late father taught me to drive, and in all his years of driving he was never responsible for an accident, and never got any speeding, moving violation, or parking tickets. He once told me " Drive your vehicle like every one else on the road is a maniac - always drive defensesively , courteously, and safely, and you'll get where you're going " Words to live ( and stay alive ) by !!!

Answer 7

Some of us have seen the slogan 'Speed kills', well this is so very true ! (And you physics students know this !)

One important thing that stood out for me with my Driver's Ed course almost 30 years ago, is that you must 'stay in control of your vechile', other wise your brakes will let you down, you'll fail to negotiate a turn and centrifical force will take you straight into a tree or worse a person, you will not have the time to respond appropriately and safely, etc. Have a good long and hard look at accidented car scenes for a sobering look at reality !

So yes:
-Slow down
-check blind spots
-live long and prosper by driving safely
-ride easy and be kind
-anticipate other driver's errors
-watch for pedestrian, cyclists, little kids and seniors
-never drink and drive and never drive when you are fatigued
-be happy and proud that you are a safe and responsible driver

Thanks for driving safely !! Go out and teach others to do the same in your own cool way !

Answer 8

Slow down is obviously the smartest way, since driving at a faster speed simply means having less control of your vehicle and less time for any response if anything happens. Speed obviously kills, but if you're just not a safe driver, even if you're driving slow, you can still create an accident. I think teens should be clear of that. Speed means less judgement, but when you're driving, ANYTHING will affect your judgement if you are not focus. Cellphones are definitely hazardess, even hand-frees should be avoided. I think all these tips aren't for teens only, drivers in general (me) should remember these when we're on the road. OH YA, PLEASE shoulder-check! PLEASE check if someone's behind you! It's sad how often this could be forgotten when it's so simple.

One thing to keep in mind for sure, you're not the only one on the road. Becareful! Stay Focus! Enjoy the traffic jams! lol

Answer 9

Take driver's education if they offer it in school.
Practice driving around with a licensed driver.
Do not do anything stupid like drag race.
Don't be surprised if you don't pass or get your license on your first try.
Try not to drink and drive, if you do have someone be the designated driver.
If you are nervous about driving keep practicing.
Don't try to multi-task like using the cell phone or text message while driving.
Remember that a license is a privilege and can be taken away at any time.
I think the listed ideas above is what I would tell a beginning driver.

Answer 10

Its simple;
- Drive within the speed limit
- Follow the rules of the road.
- If you drink, don't drive.
- Always buckle-up.
- If you're tensed, calm down before you drive.
- Indicate on turns.
- Quickly glance at your blind spots when changing lanes.
- Drive more cautiously at nights / when it rains or snows.
- Give pedestrians the right of way.
- Stop at STOP signs. Then move with caution
- Be cautious when approaching an intersection.
- Keep plenty of distance, when you're behind another vehicle.
- Keep your cool, even if the other driver is aggressive.
- Be courteous, and set an example.