For First Time Drivers (Teens)?

Question

I am putting a program together to help teens be better (safer) drivers...It is not related to anything about getting a license - since I am not sanctioned by the state to do that...My idea is to share my experiences (I'm a fmr driver's lic examiner & professional driver)...My question is - what info from someone like me would be most beneficial to youthful first-time drivers without being a drag?...This is a discussion, q & a type forum...Thanks for your input

Answer 1

Learn to try to anticipate any possible moves other drivers could make and avoid these by staying far enough back and also not driving along side another vehicle. Many young drivers seem good at remembering the driving rules but when something that is not in the rule book happens they don't know what to do. Some seem to think speed limit means you have to drive up to at least that speed all the time. Another thing I see a lot is people who come around a blind corner far to fast to stop. Another thing. Boys and girls do drive differently. I can sit at one side of a parking lot and most often tell which pulled in the other side. Boys drive fast in a show off to their buddies, unafraid of being hurt way. Girls drive fast not to show off their speed but it seems like they think they have the right of way so they don't consider stopping distance or what if someone stepped in front of them. Its not the popular thing to say but maybe its because little girls are still treated a bit different than little boys. I don't think driving instructors are doing anyone a favor by trying to deny these differences.

Answer 2

I think much of road safety can only come from experience (mostly bad experience). I used to ride motorcycle and could not have even imagined how dangerous it is till I had few accidents. So now I am much more careful when I ride.

I was watch a TV show and they were experimenting with you teens using road / driving simulators. I am talking something almost like those REAL flight simulators except for driving simulations. So kids drive and have "accident" while still not getting hurt. If you ask me with toady's computer technology they are much more affordable to create.

If you can get something like that going, I would think parents would be pounding your door down to teach their children safe driving.

I know this isn't what you asked for. But just in case you have the means. Just in case.

Answer 3

I was talking to a young lady that just received her license the other day, and she had never driven on a two lane country road, and had no idea whatsoever how to pass someone in those conditions. She honestly was unaware that there were roads that were NOT four lane divided!

Another topic that I don't think you can address enough is driving while distracted (cell phone, texting, etc.).

Answer 4

When you go in reverse, drive SLOW and have your foot on the brake.