Safe Driving Tips

Car accidents are on the rise this Summer. Distractions are vast, especially with the influx of technology and the overwhelming desire to stay connected. Nonetheless, it is important to try to minimize risk while on the road.

You can follow these helpful tips:

• Children should be fastened into their seats for every car ride. Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car. Family disputes to loose items like sunglasses, phones and other items left on the dashboard, which can obstruct the driver's view or fall startlingly to the floor can easily distract you from concentrating on driving safely.

• Cell phones can also take your focus away from the task at hand: arriving safely at your destination.

• Avoid driving when you're overtired. Late nights at work, or trouble sleeping can affect you on a long car ride. Because while a long car ride may mean a chance to recover as a passenger, it's no place to let your guard down when you're behind the wheel. Plan on taking frequent breaks, and rotating drivers whenever possible. Also, be aware that some medications can cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.

• Always use caution when changing lanes. Mind the Gap, cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers. Use the 3-second rule, and keep at least one car space in front of you for safe following distance.

Additional Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

Whether you're just getting ready to hit the road or have been driving for months―or even years―take some time to review these 8 safe driving tips:

1) Keep Your Cell Phone Off. Various states prohibit the use of a cell phone. Young drivers can face stricter laws if found in violation. Various studies show that using a cell phone while driving is similar to driving drunk―even when using a hands-free phone.

2) Don't Text. Research indicates that texting―on average―causes a loss of focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. You can drive the length of 100 yards in that time , which is the equivalent of a football field. Plenty can go wrong while you drive that distance without your eyes on the road. Don't even use the "texting-while-stopped" method, either, because when you have your head down, you won't notice key developments that may occur, such as someone driving erratically towards you. Remember, you still need to pay attention to the road when you're stopped.

3) Turn on Your Headlights. Headlights are not only necessary for evenings. Using your headlights maximizes your visibility and helps other drivers see you, even when you feel like it's light out. In the early morning hours when it can be foggy and early evening, you need to use your lights or other drivers might not see you, which can be disastrous.

4) Obey the Speed Limit. Speeding is a major contributor to fatal teen collisions. That's especially true when driving on roads with lots of traffic or with which you're not familiar. Don't feel pressured to keep up with traffic if it seems like everyone else is flying by you. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, and keeps you away from costly traffic tickets that can cause a sharp hike in your auto insurance premiums.

5) Minimize Distractions. It may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around the radio dial, or play music loudly while you're cruising around town; however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few seconds.

As an inexperienced driver, you are more apt to lose control of your car. Distractions can significantly increase the chances that you 1) not notice impending danger or notice it too late and 2) lose the ability to control the vehicle.

6) Drive Solo. Having a single teen passenger in your car can double the risk of causing a car accident. Adding additional teen passengers causes the risk to escalate.

7) Practice Defensive Driving. Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds. Some car insurance companies will even give you a discount if you take an approved defensive driving course to improve your driving skills.

8) Choose a Safe Car. If possible, drive a safe car with the latest safety equipment (such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and air bags), and one with an excellent crash safety record.

Final Word: Teens Becoming Safe Drivers

There's no substitute for driving experience and the wisdom that age brings, but by applying the above tips you'll enhance the odds you won't become a teenage driver accident statistic. Also, when you have a good driving record free of accidents, it's easier to find cheap car insurance in the future.

For more information and safety tips, visit the National Safety Council.

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