◆ #1: America's Most Trusted
◆ Pause and Resume
◆ Real Support, 7 Days a Week
◆ Fastest Allowed by Law
◆ No Hidden Fees

◉ Avoiding Graduated Licensing May Put Teens at Risk

Tag: Teen Driver

Over the past two decades, all 50 states have implemented graduated driver licensing or “GDL” laws. These laws mandate special requirements for new drivers under the age of 18 and introduce driving privileges gradually by restricting driving during the first six months to one year of being licensed.

GDL systems are known to have reduced crash involvement of 16 and 17-year-old drivers, but some studies have suggested that strong GDL laws may increase fatal crash involvement of 18 and 19-year-old drivers. Concerns have emerged that teens may be waiting to obtain their first license until they are old enough to avoid the additional requirements, missing the opportunity to gain experience under the less risky conditions of the GDL system.

How many teens delay getting their driver’s licenses, and why do they wait? Could this be a serious safety problem? The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety surveyed over a thousand young adults between the ages of 18 and 20 to answer these questions.

Most Teens Wait to Drive

Getting a driver’s license has long been considered a major rite of passage for American teenagers. However, even before GDL laws were introduced, it was common for teens to wait to obtain their licenses. Studies from the 1980s and 1990s show that the majority of teens did not actually obtain their licenses immediately.

While data shortcomings make it difficult to compare the timing of teen licensing over past decades, the AAA study found that the majority of teens today do not get licensed right away either. Only 44% of teens surveyed had obtained a driver’s license within a year of the minimum age for licensing in their state, and only 54% had obtained one by their 18th birthday. 51% had obtained a learner permit within 12 months of the minimum permit age in their state, and 72% had obtained one before their 18th birthday.

The proportion of the entire driving-age population holding a license has declined, falling from 90% in 1992 to 86% in 2011 according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, but there is no evidence that this shift is a result of teens delaying getting their license.

Graduated Licensing Laws Not to Blame for Delay

When young people who did not obtain a license before they turned 18 were asked why they did not obtain their license sooner, the predominant reasons were related to opportunity, cost, and motivation:

  • 44% did not have a car
  • 39% could get around without driving
  • 36% reported that the overall cost of driving was too high
  • 35% “just didn’t get around to it”

In comparison, fewer respondents considered factors related to GDL laws to be important reasons:

  • 23% indicated that special requirements made it hard to get licensed at a younger age
  • 21% did not want a license with special restrictions that only applied to young drivers
  • 19% wanted to avoid taking driver’s education

Furthermore, if teens were waiting to get licensed to avoid the GDL system, we could expect more of them to obtain their licenses soon after their 18th birthday. The AAA study found that this was not the case. Of 19 and 20-year-olds who had not obtained a license before they turned 18, fewer than 1 in 3 obtained it before they turned 19. Of those who didn’t even have a learner permit before turning 18, fewer than 1 in 5 obtained a license before they turned 19.

Safety Concerns

Even if teens aren’t trying to avoid the GDL system, many are missing out on its safety benefits.

Based on the licensing rates found in the AAA study, between one-third and one-half of all young people who eventually become licensed drivers will do so outside the GDL system.

The AAA survey also found significant differences in licensing rates related to income and race, suggesting that most minority and low-income young people are even less likely to experience the GDL system and receive its intended benefits.

Of respondents whose households had annual incomes of $60,000 or more:

  • 60% were licensed within one year of their state’s minimum age
  • 72% were licensed before age 18

Of respondents whose households had annual incomes of less than $20,000:

  • 16% were licensed within one year of their state’s minimum age
  • 25% were licensed before age 18

Only 32% of respondents who identified themselves as black or Hispanic were licensed before age 18, compared to 67% of non-Hispanic whites.

Strengthening GDL Systems

Further research is needed to investigate risk factors for older novice drivers and to evaluate the potential benefits of expanding GDL systems, but some states are already taking steps to fill in the gaps. Illinois has passed a law requiring new drivers ages 18 to 21 who did not take drivers education in high school to complete an adult drivers education course before obtaining a license. The law will go into effect next July.

Even among younger teens, there is still room for improvement within current GDL systems. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has estimated the potential reduction in crashes and fatal crashes that could be achieved by altering GDL provisions in each state. Recommended steps include raising the permit age to 16 and the licensing age to 17, along with increased practice hours, night driving restrictions, and passenger restrictions.

“It Takes Two” to Become a Safe Driver

Parental involvement is a crucial factor, but a study released by State Farm Insurance last month revealed that teens may not be adhering to driving restrictions as well as their parents think they are. Two-thirds of parents reported that they actively enforced night driving and passenger limitations, but only one-third of teens indicated the same. About 70% of parents thought that their teens almost always followed the rules, but less than half of teens reported doing so.

National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 20-26, will address parent-teen cooperation with this year’s theme, “It Takes Two: Shared Expectations for Teens and Parents for Driving.” The TeenDriverSource website, created by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, provides information and tips for both parents and guardians and teens to help teens become safe and skilled drivers.

If you’re hoping to become a new driver, you might want to pay attention to this article. You might want to print this article out and use it for reference before you register for a driver’s ed course.

You see, while you’re probably excited about taking driver’s ed and getting your driver’s license, your parents might not be as thrilled as you about the whole driving situation.

Yes, your parents want you to drive. Yes, your parents want you to get your license on your first attempt. Yes, your parents want you to take a driver’s ed course and learn all the rules of the road. And yes, your parents want you to enjoy everything that comes with having a driver’s license in your wallet.

Unfortunately, your parents worry too much. They still remember when you were in diapers. They still remember teaching you to ride a bike. Now, they’re going to watch you learn to drive a car.

You need to convince your parents that you should drive and will do so safely and get your parents to stop worrying. Let them understand that having a teenager who is licensed to drive is not only a good thing, it’s also beneficial to them. Here are some tips to help you put their mind at ease and get them excited about that new addition to your wallet.

Responsibility First

Let your folks know that you understand that operating a motor vehicle is a big responsibility. You understand that it’s not all fun and games. Let them know that you want to take a driver’s ed course to learn everything that the state believes you should know to keep you safe on the road.

Of course, your parents will still be concerned that all of the other drivers on the road aren’t driving safe enough but at least they can rest assured knowing that you have the skills and knowledge required to drive defensively.

Be Respectful

Make it clear to your parents that you understand that the family car still belongs to them and appreciate any time that you will be able to use it. Remember to be respectful and do not take the car without asking. When you do take the car, adhere to everything you’ve learned in driver’s ed. And if you’re lucky enough to have your own car, you’ll still want to keep your parents informed of where you’re going.

Free Up Their Time

The key to the car is also the key to their freedom. Let your parents know that having your license frees them from having to drive you everywhere. Remind them of how convenient it will be when you can drive yourself to school, work, and other events you are obligated to attend.

Run Errands

Go to work for your parents. If they need a few things from the grocery store, let them know that you’re ready, willing, and able to apply those driver-ed skills and pick up the groceries. Last minute takeout? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, I’m on it.

More Ways To Put Their Minds At Ease

There are countless more tips we could offer you to help put your parents’ minds at ease. But we’ll let you get creative. The most important thing is that you have a driver’s ed program under your belt. It will help you become a safe driver. Being responsible will ensure that you continue to drive safely. Combine the two and you’ve got a recipe for safe driving for the present and the future. If that doesn’t put their fears to rest and convince them that you should be allowed to drive, we don’t know what will.

Summer heralds a time of freedom and adventure, particularly for teenagers eager to hit the road. Many teens, freshly licensed or recently graduated from their state’s driving restrictions, anticipate the summer months for the liberty to drive late into the night and explore with friends. However, this newfound freedom comes with significant risks.

The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day marks the 100 Deadliest Days for teenage drivers. This period is notorious for a spike in road fatalities, with a concerning number involving young drivers. For instance, in 2012 — the latest year with comprehensive data — crashes involving teen drivers resulted in nearly 1,000 fatalities, half of whom were teenagers themselves.

Continuous Learning Beyond the License

Earning a driver’s license is a milestone, but it’s merely the beginning of a lifelong journey in safe driving. For new drivers and the parents or guardians guiding them, it’s vital to recognize that the learning doesn’t stop once the license is in hand.

National Safety Council Infographic: Offers crucial insights into teen driving risks during the summer and practical advice on how to navigate them safely. 

Drive it HOME Program: This initiative by the National Safety Council is an excellent resource for parents and guardians. It provides informative videos on becoming an effective driving coach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this crucial role well beyond the acquisition of a driver’s license. Learn more about how to support your teen’s driving journey at Drive it HOME.

Staying Safe This Summer

As we move into the warmer months, let’s prioritize safety on the roads. It’s a collective effort between teens, parents, and guardians to ensure that this exciting time doesn’t turn tragic. By staying informed, continuing education beyond the driving test, and fostering a supportive learning environment, we can make a difference in reducing teen driving fatalities.

Remember, the road to safe driving is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s work together to make these 100 days, and every day after, safer for everyone.

General Statistics

– Each year, an average of 2,108 teens are involved in deadly crashes.
– Approximately 31% (660) of these crashes occur during the “100 Deadliest Days,” from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
– These crashes result in an average of 2,341 deaths annually, with 732 fatalities occurring during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
– For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16-17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults

Common Risk Factors for Teen Drivers

-Distracted Driving: Nearly six out of ten teen crashes are attributed to distraction, with the top distractions being interactions with other passengers and smartphones.
– Driving with Teen Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash increases with the number of teenagers in the car, often due to peer pressure.
– Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
– Not Wearing a Safety Belt: Teens significantly reduce their risk of injury or death by wearing seat belts.

Advice for Parents

-Lead by Example: Demonstrate safe driving behaviors, avoid distractions, and always wear your seatbelt.
-Supervised Practice Driving: Encourage at least 50 hours of supervised driving in a variety of conditions.
-Teach Defensive Driving Skills: Help your teen to anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road.
-Establish a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: Set clear rules, consequences, and rewards related to driving.

The beginning of summer is an exciting time for high school students, as they celebrate their accomplishments and kick off summer vacation. But at prom and graduation parties, and during the summer months when teens spend more time unsupervised, many teens put themselves at extreme risk by combining underage drinking with driving, making summer one of the most dangerous times for teen drivers and passengers.

Eight teens between the ages of 16 and 19 die in car accidents each day between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a period known as the 100 Deadliest Days for teens on the road. (Cars.com)

At this time of year in particular, it’s essential for teens to know the dangers of alcohol consumption. Let’s review some basic facts about alcohol, along with strategies for staying out of risky situations and how parents can help teens make smart decisions.

What’s the Danger?

False Perceptions About Alcohol

  • In a survey sponsored by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), 23% of teens admitted to having driven under the influence of alcohol or marijuana. (SADD)
    • 11% of teens reported driving under the influence during the summer…
    • 8% on the Fourth of July…
    • 6% on prom night, and…
    • 5% to celebrate graduation
  • Of teens who drove while impaired, nearly 40% believe that alcohol has no impact on or actually improves their driving. (SADD)

Real Risks

  • In reality, alcohol slows reflexes, decreases coordination, distorts sensory perception, and impairs your ability to focus and make decisions – in short, drinking eliminates your ability to drive safely. (Only the Strong Survive)(Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
  • 4,700 young people between the ages of 15 and 20 die every year as a result of underage drinking. Of those deaths, 32% are traffic fatalities. (MADD)
  • Teens are the least experienced drivers on the road, and are the most vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. This is why the minimum legal drinking age is 21, and why all 50 states enforce zero tolerance alcohol laws for drivers under 21. There is no safe amount for teens to drink, whether or not they are driving. (Only the Strong Survive)(MADD)

How Do I Stay Safe?

Don’t Drink

  • The only way to completely avoid the risks that come with alcohol use is to choose not to drink alcohol, and avoid situations where underage drinking is taking place.
  • It may be tough to say “no” to your friends, but there are plenty of ways to refuse alcohol, and the more you practice these skills the easier it will get. (Only the Strong Survive)
  • Consider hosting your own drug and alcohol free prom or graduation party! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a guide to planning substance-free events, such as a graduation night party for your whole class!

Make a Plan

  • Agree on a plan for prom and graduation celebrations with friends and parents to make sure everyone stays safe. (Only the Strong Survive)
  • Decide who will be driving to and from your destination in advance.
  • Bring extra cash to take a cab home in case your safe ride home falls through.
  • Agree to call your parents or a trusted adult for a ride if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. They may be disappointed, but they’d rather you stay safe!
  • Driving drunk or getting in a car with a drunk driver is never an option.

Graduated Driver Licensing

  • Follow your state’s graduated drivers license laws, which are designed to give teens experience driving before introducing hazardous conditions such as nighttime driving and driving with teen passengers. (MADD)
  • These laws reduce crash risk by 20 to 50%. (NHTSA)

Never Drive Distracted

  • When meeting up with friends or driving to an unfamiliar location, it might be tough to resist calling for directions or texting your friends for an update, but the distraction makes your reaction times as slow as those of a drunk driver and increases your crash risk dramatically.
  • Always stop your vehicle in a safe place before using your phone, or ask a passenger to call or text for you.
  • Don’t hesitate to turn down the music or ask your passengers to quiet down when you need to concentrate!

How Can Parents Help?

Talk About Alcohol

Talk Early and Often

Be a Responsible Host

  • Abide by social host liability laws, which hold adults responsible for underage drinking on property they control, regardless of who provided the alcohol, and even if adults are not present. (MADD)
  • Private homes are the most common setting for drinking among high schoolers, but supervising teen drinking doesn’t reduce the dangers – parents can’t see everywhere at once, and parties can quickly spiral out of control.

And remember – even though you have made the wise decision to never drink and drive, drunk drivers are still out there, especially during the summer months. Make sure you and your teen know how to spot a drunk driver, and what to do if they (or you) see one!

The CDC reports that motor vehicle fatalities are the leading cause of death among teens in the U.S., accounting for more than one-third of all teenage deaths. On average in 2014, six teenagers (aged 16-19) died every day from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Low rates of seat belt use, driver distraction, inability to recognize risk, shorter following distances, and alcohol use are major contributing factors to these fatalities.

In a 2014 study of young drivers aged 15 – 20, the NHTSA found that this age group accounted for 9% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents, while only representing 6% of licensed drivers overall. Their findings included the following:

  • Among young drivers, males were more than twice as likely as females to be involved in a fatal crash.
  • 225 young motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle collisions in the year 2014, and 25% of those who died were not wearing a helmet.
  • Of young drivers with known restraint use, only 54% of those who died in crashes were wearing a seat belt.

 

The CDC recommends preventative measures such as minimum drinking age enforcement and seat belt enforcement as avenues to reduce the number of teenage traffic fatalities. They also point out the benefits of Graduated Licensing Programs, which already exist in many states, stating that “Driving is a complex skill, one that must be practiced to be learned well.” These programs often limit activities such as night-time driving, and driving with teenage passengers, for newly licensed drivers. This gives young drivers time to develop basic driving skills and instincts before adding additional challenges and distractions.

Teen Driver Infographic

Teaching a teenager to drive may be one of the most stressful situations you encounter. Even the parent who has absolute faith in their child’s abilities as a student, athlete, or artist, will find themselves questioning their teen’s readiness to drive. It’s unlikely that you’ll manage to get through it completely stress-free, but there are ways to reduce the stress. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you put your “driving instructor” hat on.

 

Brush Up Your Own Driving Skills

In the years since you yourself learned how to drive, you’ve likely forgotten a thing or two. Furthermore, traffic laws are continually changing and being updated, and the same goes for vehicle equipment and features. Read through your state’s Driver Handbook, or enroll in a personal enrichment traffic safety course to make sure your knowledge is up to date. You will undoubtedly learn something new, and you’ll save yourself from having to admit you don’t know the answer to certain challenging questions your teen might ask. Your teen looks to you as an example, and you’ll want to impress upon them the importance of knowing what the rules are, and what to do, in different driving situations. As we all know, “ignorance is no excuse”.

Even when you’re the one behind the wheel and they are in the passenger seat, you are teaching them how to drive, whether you realize it or not. Be prepared to explain how or why you’ve done things. This can catch you off guard when you’re on “auto-pilot” rather than consciously thinking about what you’re doing. During this impressionable time, be vigilant in adhering to all traffic laws and safe driving procedures. Your teen will be watching you, and if you become careless or lazy, they’ll cite this as reasoning for themselves to do the same.

Get Help From the Experts

Some states require that teens take a Driver’s Ed course before getting their permit or learner’s license, and others don’t — but even if you live in a state that doesn’t require Driver’s Ed, it’s still a good idea to enroll your teen before letting them get behind the wheel. Learning about the rules of the road and basic driving procedures provides a solid foundation and promotes mindfulness of safe driving practices. Your teen will be better prepared to handle unusual or dangerous situations, as well as the everyday ones. The ability to take a Driver’s Ed course online is an appealing option, not only because your teen can complete the coursework around their busy schedule, but also because studies have shown that students who receive online education perform better than those who were taught the same curriculum in a classroom setting.

Mentally Prepare for Each Next Phase

The natural progression will be to start in an empty parking lot, then move to quiet neighborhood streets, and then on to increasingly challenging and higher-traffic areas. The need to protect and shelter your child can be a strong deterrent to putting them in traffic situations with an element of risk, but this is a necessity in learning how to drive. It is imperative that they learn how to control their vehicles in the numerous and varied high-risk traffic environments that they will encounter after they receive their license.

As you think about the next location for your driving lessons, go over the potential hazards and problem areas in your mind. Think about how you would handle each as a driver, and how you would assist your teen from the passenger seat. This should be ongoing. As your teen drives, keep an eye on the mirrors and look far down the road. Anticipate possible scenarios, and plan what you would do to respond to them.

Remain Calm — At Least, Outwardly

A calm attitude can go a long way toward the effectiveness of your driving instruction. You’ll need to remain alert to absolutely everything in the driving environment, but when the unexpected occurs, maintain your composure. If you suddenly exclaim, grip your seat, or reach for the roof handle, it could cause your teen to panic and react with a dangerous driving error. Their first instinct might be to slam on the brakes, which could mean trouble for anyone following behind.

Watch your tone of voice. If you shriek a warning at them or bellow a command, they are now paying attention to you and not the road. Be assertive in pointing out any potential problems, but do so in a calm manner, and firmly correct any mistakes they make. It should go without saying that shouting, berating, and demeaning your teen will make for a traumatic experience, and a very nervous new driver.

Coping With Loss of Control

Regardless of personality type, we all enjoy a certain amount of control when driving a vehicle. If you’re known to be a backseat driver, you’ll need to work especially hard to curb those feelings while teaching your teen how to drive. Though you’ll be advising them throughout the process, you must make them feel that they are the ones in control of the vehicle and that they understand the responsibility of that control. There’s only so much you can do from the passenger’s seat. To soothe some of your anxiety, take an inventory of the things you can control, or at the very least, the things you can affect. This includes responsibilities such as vehicle maintenance, limiting distractions, and pointing out roadway hazards.

Your Physical and Mental State

To create a positive learning experience, both you and your teen should be physically and mentally prepared for the driving lesson. Don’t go into the lesson hungry, angry, sad, or otherwise emotional. Remember to stay hydrated, and above all, do not conduct driving practice when either of you are fatigued. Get plenty of sleep beforehand, and remember that fatigue causes severe driver impairment — drowsy drivers can be as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Remember to Use Positive Reinforcement

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity, and it is all too easy to become solely focused on the mistakes, close calls, and lack of technique that are all a normal part of learning to drive. Remember to encourage your teen when they demonstrate safe, courteous driving behaviors. When they take note of new or unusual circumstances, or they ask questions, remain positive in your responses. Give them the benefit of your driving experience, and help them to develop their own safe driving habits. Remember, there was a time when you were a new driver, and it took a long time to develop the instincts and judgment you have now. You’ll see more progress and better judgment from them the more you emphasize and encourage safe driving behaviors.

For some teens, taking driver’s ed is a rite of passage that they assume they’ll undergo before they’re able to get their license. Other families, however, find themselves debating the value of driver’s ed for teens. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not driver’s ed is the right decision for your family, consider the benefits of professional driver’s education for new and teenage drivers. We’ve outlined six primary reasons why most parents opt to enroll their teens in driver’s ed, supported by various National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies and recommendations.

1. Driver’s Ed Can Lower Insurance Costs

Many insurance companies offer a discount for teens who have taken driver’s ed. The cost savings can really add up, especially if you were dreading the increase in your insurance premiums when you added your teen to the policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, contact your insurance company to find out how much of a discount is offered.

2. Driver’s Ed Helps Teens Learn the Details

It’s been a long time since you learned how to drive. Chances are, you’ve forgotten many of the details that make up the driving process. Many driving tasks and habits are second nature to experienced drivers, and remembering to explain these processes to a new driver can be rather challenging. Driver’s ed teachers, however, have worked with teens for a long time. They know all the important details that go along with learning to drive, and how to express them in a way that’s sure to sink in for your teen. State-approved online driver’s ed courses, like those offered by Online Drivers Ed, are generally developed by driving instructors and follow educational practices that help ensure that students can easily remember the material.

3. Some States Require It

Not every state requires driver’s ed in order for your teen to get their license. But for those states that do, it’s not just a suggestion: your teen has to get that important driver’s ed class somewhere. Those states that do require it have seen an increase in the safety and competence of drivers who took the class, which means that taking driver’s ed is a proven method to help teens drive more safely.

4. Teens Get More Experience

Let’s face it: you don’t have time to go driving with your teen every day. When they take a driver’s ed class, they will gain more experience with everything they need to know about driving. From a refresher in driving safety from someone who isn’t their parent, to detailed lessons about how to handle harsh driving conditions, driver’s ed will offer your teen more information about how to drive safely. The National Safety Council recommends a combination of driver’s ed and supervised practice for optimal skill development.

5. Road Test Preparation

When your teen takes driver’s ed from a professional in your area, they’ll get the scoop on the driver’s license test: what they’re expected to know, how it will impact their test score, and what they’ll actually need to do in order to pass the driving test. Some cities, for example, require parallel parking to get a driver’s license. Other cities, where it’s less common, may require little more than a drive around the block. Make sure your teen knows what they really need to know before they get their license, instead of failing the test due to lack of experience with one crucial point — even if it’s a point they won’t necessarily use during everyday driving. A resource like the DMV.org’s Driver’s Ed guide can help your teen prepare for the road test.

6. Increase Your Teen’s Confidence

There’s nothing like going into a test with the sure knowledge that you’ll be able to pass it — and driver’s ed can provide that for your teen. It gives them the confidence to know that they can handle what happens on the road and the experience necessary to back it up. Good instructors will help build that confidence, preparing your teen for what they’ll face when they start driving. The NHTSA recommends building confidence through practice and reinforcement.

If you want your teen to have professional instruction that will make sure they know everything they need to know, not only to take their road test but to increase their safety behind the wheel, driver’s ed is well worth the investment. Sign your teen up to give them all the benefits of that experience.

If you’re about to take your driver’s test (or have already passed), you may feel like you know all there is to know about driving. But your parents or driving teachers may not have told you everything. Before you hit the road, take a minute to look over these driving tips that you might not have learned yet:

Adjust Your Mirrors – The Right Way

You probably know already that remembering to adjust your mirrors is important. However, you may not be doing it right, and you would be surprised to find out how many people do it wrong.

Most people adjust their mirrors so that they will be able to see both the road and some of their cars in the reflection, but this is actually the wrong way to do it. If you want to increase the safety of your driving and decrease blind spots, you should adjust your mirrors so that you can’t see the sides of your car at all – just the road and surrounding objects behind you.

Keep Your Headlights On – Even During Daytime

It may sound strange to keep your headlights on when it isn’t dark but hear us out. Keeping your headlights on all or most of the time may make you a safer driver. For one thing, headlights make you more visible to drivers, especially on overcast days. Drivers are more likely to notice you moving through their blind spots or coming over a hill if your headlights are on.

Besides making you more visible, keeping your headlights on will increase your visibility as well, especially when you are traveling through tunnels or heavily shaded areas.

Turn Your Music Off (or Down)

While listening to music in your car does make driving a lot more fun, it doesn’t make it more safe. Studies have shown that people who drove without music or radio distractions were much more focused drivers than those who drove with music playing. This is because listening to music in your car is a type of multitasking; if you’re focused on singing along to your favorite songs, or listening to a funny radio host, you’re going to be less focused on driving.

When you first start driving on your own, consider driving without music for a while. If you must have music, keep the volume down and make an extra effort to focus on your surroundings. Also, try to stick to music with slower, more relaxed beats; people who listened to songs with faster tempos were more likely to drive recklessly and go through red lights.

Never Slam on the Brakes

Slippery conditions and sudden losses of traction (such as a tire blowout) are a couple of the most common causes of accidents. When you find yourself in one of these situations where you need to stop suddenly, your first instinct is probably to slam on the brakes. However, hitting your brakes is one of the worst things that you can do.

When you do have to stop quickly, take your foot off of the gas pedal and gently tap the brakes, letting your car gradually lose speed. Doing this gives you more control over your car so that you can safely steer yourself in a better direction.

Pay Attention to Traffic Signs…But Pay More Attention to Traffic

It’s important to watch for and obey traffic signs, but you have to remember that not every driver is paying attention. The first rule of defensive driving is to understand that there are many distracted drivers as well as drivers who just decide to ignore the rules. To keep yourself and your passengers safe, make sure to pay close attention to drivers as well as road signs.

When it comes to driving, like most things in life, there is always more to learn. Try putting these tips into practice to become a safer, better, and more informed driver.

Teenagers love their freedom of driving, and they’re also huge fans of technology. To help young drivers stay safe on the road and learn the rules, here are four essential apps that every teen driver should have on their smartphone.

1. DriveSafe.ly Pro

DriveSafe.ly Pro is an innovative app that promotes safe driving by reading text messages and emails aloud, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With voice control, users can reply without touching their phones, and the app also connects to Bluetooth systems for better audio clarity. DriveSafe.ly Pro is a great solution for teens who need to stay connected while maintaining safe driving habits.

2. DriveScribe

DriveScribe is an engaging app that encourages safe driving while offering real rewards. Using GPS, the app determines the driver’s location and relevant road laws. If a rule is broken, an alert notifies the driver. Users earn points for infraction-free driving, which can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon and Domino’s Pizza. Best of all, DriveScribe is free to download and use, making it a win-win for teen drivers.

3. Waze

Waze is a popular GPS, maps, and traffic app that offers real-time traffic updates and alerts. The app’s community-driven feature allows users to report accidents, hazards, and police traps, helping teen drivers stay aware of their surroundings and make informed decisions. Waze also provides voice-guided navigation, making it easier for young drivers to focus on the road while following directions.

4. Life360

Life360 is a family locator, messaging, and driving safety app that’s highly valued by parents of teen drivers. The app allows parents to monitor their child’s driving habits, speed, and location in real time. With features like crash detection, roadside assistance, and emergency contact notifications, Life360 offers peace of mind for both parents and teens. Additionally, the app fosters communication between family members, making it easier to coordinate schedules and ensure everyone’s safety.

Remember, while these apps are helpful, they should NOT become a distraction. If you ever find that an app is becoming more harmful than good, talk to your parents.

Getting your driver’s license is one of the modern rites of passage many of us go through. It provides freedom, shows responsibility, and for many young people, getting their licenses proves they are growing out of childhood and into adulthood. None of that makes a driver’s test any less nerve-wracking, though.

Young drivers hearing horror stories from their friends who took the test, or whose only experience of a driver’s exam comes from the spoofs we put in our pop culture, can relax. A driver’s test is nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be. If you can relax, and take a deep breath, here’s what you should expect at your driver’s test.

#1: Filling Out Forms

Any time you go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you’re going to have to fill out forms. Most of the questions will be simple, asking for your name, date of birth, information about the car you’re driving, things like that. While there’s probably going to be a writing implement there, if you want to be proactive, it’s a good idea to bring a pen with you. Just in case.

#2: Bring Your Car, and Your Permit

It seems obvious, but sometimes the obvious has to be stated. When you’re going to take a driver’s test, you need a vehicle to take the test in, as well as the permit that says you’re allowed to drive as long as there’s a qualified, licensed driver in the car with you. You’ll likely be asked to show your permit before the test starts, so make sure you have it ready to hand.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your car is road-ready. That means you need to check the fluids, fill up the tank, and give it a thorough cleaning before your test. Not just because you don’t want to annoy your tester, but because if you’ve got a passenger footwell full of empty cans and fast food wrappers, then you might be told to come back later. No one wants to deal with that stress.

#3: Be Ready to Drive

It seems simple, but when you’re taking a driving test you really should be prepared for anything. Your instructor might have you tool around the town square, do some simple turns, and call it a day. It’s also possible that your instructor will want to take you onto the highway or make you parallel park on a busy street. Any task you may be called on to perform behind the wheel, you should be ready to do it. That way, no matter what your particular instructor asks during your particular test, you’ll be ready for it.

#4: Expect To Be Told How To Do Things

We all get into a comfort zone when we drive. We have a certain way we do things, and we don’t like to alter that pattern. When you show up to take your driving test, prepare to do things the way your instructor tells you to do them. That may mean turning the radio off or putting your phone on silent mode. Regardless, you should do your best to follow all the rules you learned from reading the manual, and from going through driver’s ed. That means you need to wear your seat belt, check your mirrors, use your turn signals, and more or less pretend there’s a film crew in the back seat who will be using your performance to show future drivers how to pass an exam. If you can do that, you’ll have no problem passing the test.