There are five main areas to educate a teen about before they begin driver’s education to prevent common accidents or property damage. These areas include seasonal, tips for highway driving, getting practical about what is means to be a “defensive driver,” proper maintenance, and accepting reasons for restrictions on teens driving conditions.
Seasonal conditions that are important to educate a teen driver about include tire pressure and using the correct tires for the season, knowing how to turn on four-wheel drive in cars where it is an option, and trying to time winter driving after salt trucks have plowed to avoid driving where there may be “black ice” that is slippery but may not be visible.
Highway driving tips include an understanding of when to move closer to the left and right lanes based on proximity to the exit ramp of the destination. Also it involves teens understanding the extra time it takes to stop when driving at higher speeds to leave enough car lengths between vehicles. Teach your teen, for every 10 mph of speed allow one car length, so when driving at 60 mph speed, six car lengths is good guideline. Also they should avoid being in the lane of hazardous vehicles that have triangle flame logo, cars with a red flag to indicate they are carrying items that may get loose.
Philosophy of being a “defensive driver.” Coach your teen to avoid driving behind drivers who are behaving erratically, changing lanes unsafely or following too closely. Also it is wise to check their car and pay attention to unusual sounds that may indicate problems related to safety such as worn brake pads or worn out wiper blades. In addition, showing a chart with where “blind spots” are can keep them safe when changing lanes.
Even if the adult owner of the car takes most of the responsibility for safe maintenance, teens can learn to be part of the program. This includes learning to remind the adult of when the car is needing gasoline, due for an oil change, or when tires are worn.
Accepting reasons for limited hours and conditions for various training levels of teen drivers. According to the Illinois Rules of Road, teens on a learner’s permit have the most restrictions on the type and conditions which they may safety attempt to drive. Even after passing the written and road test to receive a driver’s license all drivers under the age of eighteen
State Farm insurance has a phone application that includes safety videos about common driving hazards such as dangers of texting while driving, weather conditions, and why “distracted driving” such as driving with multiple friends or with loud music on can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Some other major car insurers have “safe teen” driving contracts. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident, contact a Chicago IL personal injury lawyer today.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian for their insight into preventing bike accidents in suburbs.