ER Smogs

Posts Tagged ‘NHTSA’

Many parents out there can remember that momentous and life affirming day when total independence was at their fingertips; passing the long-awaited drivers test at the DMV. It’s now time to pass that torch on to your sons and daughters, as they get behind the wheel and venture into the danger zone. It’s important to inform teenagers on the finer points of staying safe and responsible on the road.

Whether your teenager has just passed the driver’s test or still in training, odds are he or she is still adjusting to the intricacies of the highways and byways. To make this transition easier, here are a few suggestions to steer your teen towards an accident-free and ticketless driving career. Not only will your child be safe, he’ll also realize excellent car insurance savings.

Buckle Up

Always stress the importance of seat belts, not only to avoid tickets but also for their own protection. It’s a fact that 2 out of 3 teen car fatalities resulted from not wearing seatbelts. Without a seatbelt, occupants can easily be ejected from the Vehicle. If that happens, the odds of dying are greatly increase. Make save your teen understands this. When they know why, they are more likely to listen.

Be on the Lookout

Defensive driving habits are critical to safe driving. This means constantly looking out for other drivers on the road. Just as your teenager is not a perfect driver, this same rule applies to other motorists as well. Drunk drivers can run red lights and speed demons can fly on country roads at 80 mph. According to the NHTSA, car crashes are among the most common causes of death among 15 to 20 year olds. That’s why it’s important to encourage your teenager to always look both ways before turning and look in the rearview mirror when changing lanes.  

Using turning signals properly will also help your teenager avoid fender benders. Teach your teen to make the signal at least 100 feet before making the turn to give the vehicle behind them ample time to react. Also, remind your teenager to use turn signals when changing lanes and when entering traffic from a parked position.

Be Prepared

The name of the game is to avoid being pulled over by the police at all costs, but being prepared for such an occasion can save you and your teenager a lot of unnecessary hassle and aggravation. Stress the importance of keeping the driver’s registration in the glove box for easy access.

Drink and Driving Dangers

Talk to your teenager about drinking and driving. They should already know about the dangers of underage drinking, but if by any chance they do give in to peer pressure, having a plan is of utmost importance. Tell them it’s okay to call for a ride if they have been drinking. Explain the consequences of getting behind the wheel intoxicated and how their careless decisions can affect others on the road. Furthermore, your kid can help keep the streets safe by not letting others who have had too much to drink get on the road.

CarInsuranceQuotesComparison.com helps drivers make smart driving, safety and car insurance choices.