When a teen first gets the chance to get behind the wheel of a car on their own it can often feel like they have just been given the keys to a world of excitement, and freedom. However, with that new-found freedom comes a set of responsibilities that every young driver needs to be fully on-board with, for their safety, and everyone around them.
The journey starts by finding a suitable vehicle that is best suited to their lack of driving experience but will help them to stay as safe as possible and improve as they rack up the miles.
If you search best first car for teenager, for instance, you will be able to find something appropriate to drive. In the meantime, here are some things that every teen driver should know when they start their motoring journey.
Learn how to interact with a police officer
It tends to go with the territory that a young driver may get pulled over more regularly by the police, for a number of reasons. If someone looks young, they might want to check license details, or it could be that some part of their driving behavior was not acceptable.
Whatever the reason, it’s vital that every teen knows how to interact properly with a police officer. They need to pull over safely as soon as they are asked to do so. They also need to keep their hands visible at all times. It’s also important not to argue. Teens should be aware that it is always better to listen and comply at the roadside. The time for arguing or disagreeing with what’s been said comes if it goes to court.
Dealing with a potential drink driving situation
There is never an occasion where it’s acceptable to get in the car with a driver who is intoxicated. It goes without saying that teens need to be aware of their responsibilities as a driver and steer clear of drugs and alcohol if they intend to drive.
If a teen has a friend who intends to drive while intoxicated, they should do everything possible to persuade them to leave the car until they sober up.
Distracted driving
Let’s be honest, most teens seem to have their cell phone welded to their hand. It is their primary mode of communication these days. The vast majority of states have a complete ban on cell phones for novice drivers. Holding or using the phone while driving is a complete no-no, even when stopping temporarily at a set of lights, or in traffic.
Far too many young drivers are killed or injured as a result of distracted driving. They need to know that a ban on cell phone use is for their safety, and using it while driving is against the law. Hands-free driving via a Bluetooth connection is the safest option.
Keeping your cool while driving
Everyone can experience a bit of annoyance at another driver’s behavior or actions, like cutting everyone up while trying to get past a line of cars, for instance.
This sense of injustice can sometimes spill over into road rage. Whatever the scenario, tailgating, dangerous driving, etc, teens need to learn to hold their breath and avoid getting into an argument. They also need to know that they should never try to drive aggressively in response to an incident, it’s never worth it.
Knowing what to do in the event of an accident
If a teen driver has an accident, they need to call the police and report the incident. It is important not to discuss the accident with the other driver or accept any blame at the roadside.
Exchange insurance information, take pictures of the accident scene using a cell phone, and check if the car is drivable, to move on after everything has been checked and verified at the roadside.
Learning to deal with a flat tire
Part of a driver’s learning curve is knowing what to do when the car breaks down, or gets a flat tire. Teen drivers should be told that the best course of action is to pull over off the road, even if that might cause further damage to the tire. They can then call for help or attempt to change the tire, if they have a spare and know how to do this.
Pay attention to warning lights
Teen drivers also need to be aware of what their dashboard lights are telling them, and pay attention to any warnings.
They need to learn to try and find out why a warning light has come on, like the one that warns of an engine problem, and listen out for any unusual noises or note any changes in the car’s performance. If in doubt, call for help, or head to a garage.
Dealing with a repair shop
Getting a quote for a repair will be uncharted territory for a teen driver. It’s best they shop around, ask people they trust to recommend a garage that they know can be trusted, or get a couple of quotes to compare costs.
Driving in difficult weather conditions
Teens can only become better drivers with experience. Learning how to drive in difficult weather, such as rain and snow, is one of those things that you come to know about once you have done it a few times.
Teens need to know that reducing speed and keeping their distance from other cars are the key driving skills they need to apply in challenging weather.
Buying the right car
All of these wise words for teen drivers are only relevant once they actually have their own car to drive. Choosing the right car for a young driver can make all the difference to how they cope in the first few years of driving.
Going to a trusted dealer with a good reputation would be a good move. They will be able to recommend a car that fits the bill. Ideally, it will be a car that is not too powerful, is easy to drive, and relatively cheap to insure for inexperienced drivers.
Once that is sorted, they can hit the open road. Arming teens with a bit of prior knowledge on how to deal with regular hazards and driving situations could make all the difference to their experience.
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