Teenage Driving
There are a number of factors that can influence teenage driving. The most notable amongst them would be peer pressure, alcohol and the thrill factor. However, experience invariably improves teenage driving, and also promotes a number of other valuable safety habits such as a healthy respect for road rules, other motorists and the traffic police.
Experts have long been of the opinion that proper ‘behind the wheel’ training, a good grounding of road rules and proper instruction on road safety would go a long way towards instilling a sense of responsibility in the minds of teenagers and reducing teenage driving accidents. This is now an approach that has been adopted by driving schools and instructors throughout the country today.
A good driving school or course can often give teenagers the confidence to take to the road, and likewise give parents the confidence to let them. Individuals seriously interested in finding a driving school or course that doesn’t cost a ridiculously high sum, will be able to find a number of reputed driving establishments on the web that offer comprehensive driving courses and instruction at a very reasonable price.
The web and even insurance agents will be able to provide material information that is useful for learner drivers. These can come in the form of videos, pamphlets, brochures and even discount driving school course leaflets. The Department of Motor Vehicles website and others also list dates, times and places students can sit the driving exam as well as other pertinent information.
A few tips that might improve teenage driving are as follows. Seat belts for everyone in the vehicle at all times, staying under the speed limit, and road courtesy (if someone wants to overtake you on the road, let them.). The admonition “Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let anyone who is drunk drive either”, also works wonders in preventing accidents.
Making it a rule that the driver should always pull over to answer a ringing cell phone or to make a call, is one way of ensuring the driver’s attention is not distracted from oncoming traffic. Keeping the vehicle serviced and in good condition is also a good idea as vehicle parts going bust in the middle of the road can be extremely dangerous.
Another valuable tip that many parents ignore, is teaching through example. Running red lights and stop signs, speeding, honking and using abusive language on other motorists is not conducive to responsible teenage driving or to fostering the correct attitude amongst teenagers.
Over 40 percent of teenage deaths each year are attributed to flaws in teenage driving skills. Therefore, if road safety rules are followed by the role models around them, teenagers will be more amenable to accepting and adopting those same rules when they start driving - thus improving teenage driving and preventing road accidents at the same time.