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Driving is a skill that takes time to develop. Unfortunately, while behind the wheel, many teens overestimate their own skill level while underestimating the dangers on the road. Over 7,000 teens die every year in preventable automobile accidents as a result of reckless behavior and underdeveloped driving skills. Parents and teens can benefit from the following tips to help remind drivers to be respectful and safe on the roads. 1. Wear your seatbelt every time you get in the car and do not turn the car on until all passengers are buckled up! 2. Do not text or talk on the phone while driving. If you must use the phone, pull over and stop the car until you are finished. 3. Be respectful of other drivers. Follow the rules of the road and use friendly waves to signal another driver's right of way or as a sign of appreciation. 4. Do not exhibit aggressive behavior while driving. Tail gating, flashing headlights, speeding up to prevent other drivers from changing lanes, yelling out the window or using obscene hand gestures will do nothing, but get you a big fat ticket and make you look like a jerk. 5. Speeding is the fastest way to an accident. Check your speedometer often to make sure you are not going over the speed limit. Speeding on public streets is not cool. If you feel the need for speed, head to the race track! 6. In severe weather (heavy down pours, snow storms, gusty winds, ice, etc) drive with extreme caution or pull over until the weather subsides. If you absolutely must drive, turn on your headlights even during the daytime and drive slowly. 7. If you are a slow driver, pull over to the right hand lane. This will help to keep the flow of traffic moving and other drivers will appreciate the gesture. If you are behind a slow driver, calmly take an alternate route at the next possible intersection or grin and breath through it. Tail gating is disrespectful and dangerous. 8. When you are lost, pull over and ask for directions. Drive slowly, turn on your hazard lights and pull off to the side of the road, so that you are not in the way of other cars. 9. Every 31 minutes, someone is killed by a drunk driver. If you have had one drink, you should not drive under ANY circumstances. Either designate a sober driver before alcohol is consumed or have a parent or another adult pick you up. **Parents, if you want your teen to follow this step, make a "no questions asked" policy in these circumstances. It is better to have your teen home and safe than the alternative.** 10. Teens should have as few distractions as possible while driving. So radios, phones, other teen passengers, nightdriving, highways and congested traffic should all be kept to a minimum during the first 6 months to year of driving. This will help the driver to focus on the road, develop their skills and timing and also teach them safe driving practices. Parents need to remember, as always, to be a positive role model for your children. If you do not want your child to drive recklessly or aggressively, don't do it yourself! Follow the rules above and you should be on your way to safe and responsible driving! Helpful Resources: Teen Driving Deaths on the Rise http://watchmojo.com/cars/blog/?p=387 Teen Driving Tips http://www.betterteendriving.com/
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Communication 
