2 Things Every New Teenage Driver Should Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Driving is not as easy as some people think. It doesn't come
natural and it's not something you automatically know once you turn 15
years old. It takes time, practice, and studying before you have it down
and then it's still a challenge at times. I've been driving for 20+
years and I still learn new things when I drive.
For teenage drivers there things they may not think about or know are important, so we must teach them and show them what's right and what's wrong. Sometimes these things come to mind right away while others may not until someone brings them up or we see them being done. Here are two things every teenage driver should know before they get behind the wheel.
1. Your Cell Phone and Driving
When you get behind the wheel it's important to devote your mind to the road. It only takes a few seconds of taking your eyes or mind off the road for an accident to occur. It doesn't matter if you're talking on the phone or texting your mind is not there and that can delay your reaction time. Texting will take your eyes off the road and in the short amount of time your eyes are on your phone you've traveled a fair amount of space. Someone could pull out in front of you, a light could change from green to red, or a parked car could appear. The best thing to do is put your phone down and leave it alone until you arrive at your destination, but if you must talk or text, pull over and deal with it and then continue on your way.
2. Proper Lane Changes
We all know it's important to look behind us and in the mirror when changing lanes, but how many of us do that when pulling into a turn lane? I recently watched an accident happen and the outcome was different then what I expected it to be. There was a man in the turn lane to turn into a restaurant parking lot. He missed his turn, so he was going to go to the light and go in a different way. The lady directly behind us didn't see him and pulled into the turn lane. They collided because he was coming up next to her. Now I originally thought he was to blame because he was in the turn lane prior to the point where you're can legally go in, but according to the police officer the lady behind us was at fault. She didn't look behind her or in the mirror prior to changing lanes.
Another issue I see a lot is the interstate on ramps. While it's not the law to change lanes when you see someone on the on ramp trying to get onto the interstate, it is a common courtesy to do so if it's possible. One thing I see regularly is people coming onto the interstate regardless of the people in the close lane. It's almost as if they think the right of way is there's and not those already on the interstate. This has caused more accidents then I can count. Not only is it possible for the person coming onto the interstate to collide with the one in the close lane, but it's also possible for the one in the close lane to hit the person in the far lane while trying to avoid hitting the one trying to come on. It's important to follow proper lane changes and to come onto the interstate when the lane is clear and you won't collide with anyone in the process.
As a teenage driver you're still learning the lay of the land so to speak when it comes to driving. There are so many things to keep in mind and remember when getting on the road that it can be overwhelming. When you remember these two things and keep them fresh in your mind you'll be a safer driver and less likely to be involved in an accident that may be your fault.
For teenage drivers there things they may not think about or know are important, so we must teach them and show them what's right and what's wrong. Sometimes these things come to mind right away while others may not until someone brings them up or we see them being done. Here are two things every teenage driver should know before they get behind the wheel.
1. Your Cell Phone and Driving
When you get behind the wheel it's important to devote your mind to the road. It only takes a few seconds of taking your eyes or mind off the road for an accident to occur. It doesn't matter if you're talking on the phone or texting your mind is not there and that can delay your reaction time. Texting will take your eyes off the road and in the short amount of time your eyes are on your phone you've traveled a fair amount of space. Someone could pull out in front of you, a light could change from green to red, or a parked car could appear. The best thing to do is put your phone down and leave it alone until you arrive at your destination, but if you must talk or text, pull over and deal with it and then continue on your way.
2. Proper Lane Changes
We all know it's important to look behind us and in the mirror when changing lanes, but how many of us do that when pulling into a turn lane? I recently watched an accident happen and the outcome was different then what I expected it to be. There was a man in the turn lane to turn into a restaurant parking lot. He missed his turn, so he was going to go to the light and go in a different way. The lady directly behind us didn't see him and pulled into the turn lane. They collided because he was coming up next to her. Now I originally thought he was to blame because he was in the turn lane prior to the point where you're can legally go in, but according to the police officer the lady behind us was at fault. She didn't look behind her or in the mirror prior to changing lanes.
Another issue I see a lot is the interstate on ramps. While it's not the law to change lanes when you see someone on the on ramp trying to get onto the interstate, it is a common courtesy to do so if it's possible. One thing I see regularly is people coming onto the interstate regardless of the people in the close lane. It's almost as if they think the right of way is there's and not those already on the interstate. This has caused more accidents then I can count. Not only is it possible for the person coming onto the interstate to collide with the one in the close lane, but it's also possible for the one in the close lane to hit the person in the far lane while trying to avoid hitting the one trying to come on. It's important to follow proper lane changes and to come onto the interstate when the lane is clear and you won't collide with anyone in the process.
As a teenage driver you're still learning the lay of the land so to speak when it comes to driving. There are so many things to keep in mind and remember when getting on the road that it can be overwhelming. When you remember these two things and keep them fresh in your mind you'll be a safer driver and less likely to be involved in an accident that may be your fault.
Corrie Petersen runs a successful Virtual Assistant
business. She is married and has two teenagers and she loves spending
time with her family. Catch up with everything she has going on when you
click here to read her mommy blog.
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