8 Safe Driving Tips for Young Drivers
As young drivers begin their journey behind the wheel, the thrill of newfound freedom comes with a big responsibility: safe driving. To help keep teens and young adults safe on the road, parents and other adults should regularly emphasize the importance of safe driving. Share these tips with the young drivers in your life and use them to help you initiate those important conversations.
Frequent Risks and Challenges for Young Drivers
Novice drivers often face unique challenges and risks as they work to gain experience in driving and life.
Inexperience and Overconfidence
A healthy dose of confidence can go a long way when driving, but too much can be a recipe for trouble—especially for new drivers. Newly licensed teens often start their driving journey cautiously. However, after putting some miles in, they might become overly confident, which can lead to risky driving behavior and accidents.
Distracted Driving
Young adults and teens are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving, as noted by the CDC. Common distractions include talking with friends in the car, texting on mobile phones, changing the radio, applying makeup, grooming, and even snacking. These activities can divert attention from the road and should be avoided.
Driving Under the Influence
Nearly one-third of young drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence of alcohol, according to a 2022 NHTSA report. Despite laws prohibiting underage drinking and a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under age 21 having any alcohol in their system, some teens and young adults still engage in this dangerous behavior.
Difficult Weather Conditions
Bad weather can be particularly daunting for young drivers still building their driving skills. Initially, they should limit their driving to good weather conditions. As they gain experience, they can gradually progress to supervised driving in poor weather until they learn how to navigate rain, snow, and icy roads.
8 Essential Safe Driving Tips for Young Drivers
Young drivers, take note! These safe driving tips will help you avoid accidents and develop good driving habits now and for years to come.
1. Avoid Distractions
When driving, the road deserves your full attention. Keep your phone tucked away, silence those notifications, and save the chats with your friends for when you're parked. Changing the radio or snacking can also wait. Essentially, stay alert and don't multitask.
Note: Some graduated licensing programs limit the number of passengers in the car as they can be a major source of distraction.
2. Follow Speed Limits
Speeding is a major factor in teen-involved crashes, reports the NHTSA. Always adhere to posted speed limits to help protect yourself, others on the road, and pedestrians. Speed limits are in place for everyone's safety.
Note: Programs like DynamicDrive can help you drive responsibly, and you may even score a discount.
3. Maintain Safe Following Distance
Keep a safe following distance between your car and the one in front of you. A simple way to do this is to use the 3-second rule: when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark, count to three. If you reach it before you hit three, back up a bit.
4. Wear Your Seatbelt
Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use of any age group, according to the CDC. Always remember to buckle up, no matter how short the trip is. Seatbelts are your best friend when it comes to safety. They really do help protect you in an accident.
5. Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is the safest approach to driving. It involves being aware of your surroundings, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and following the rules of the road. Practicing these principles early on can lead to good driving habits.
Note: Taking a defensive driving course could earn drivers a car insurance discount.
6. Avoid Driving Under the Influence
If you are 21 or older, always remember: when drinking alcohol, don’t drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, request a rideshare service, or stay at a friend's house. Before going out, know how you'll get home—safety first!
7. Adhere to Traffic Laws
Traffic laws help everyone stay safe. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these laws to avoid tickets and potential accidents. Make sure to follow all signals, signs, and rules of the road to create a safer driving environment for all.
8. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Safe driving starts with a well-maintained vehicle. To keep your car in tip-top shape, regularly check things like brakes, tires, and lights to avoid any breakdowns. Learning about car maintenance can also help you feel more comfortable behind the wheel.
Benefits of Adopting Safe Driving Habits
Safe driving habits protect you, your car, and others while reducing accident risks and leading to lower insurance costs.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
No one expects to be involved in an accident, but when it occurs, it's often due to neglecting safe driving practices. Risky driving behavior like speeding, following too closely, using your phone while driving, driving drowsy, and not obeying traffic signs can all lead to unfortunate outcomes. By choosing to prioritize safe driving now, you can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of safe travel. Drive defensively and practice safety always, and you will significantly decrease your chances of becoming involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Lower Car Insurance Costs
Young drivers often face higher car insurance rates because they are considered more likely to be involved in accidents, compared to older, more experienced drivers. That’s why it’s very important to develop good driving habits right from the start. Doing so can help lower your car insurance costs over time. If a young driver is involved in an at-fault accident, it can significantly impact their driving record, leading to even higher insurance rates—something no one wants. Fortunately, Direct Auto offers discounts* in certain states that could help some younger drivers get a lower rate:
- Driver training discount: For new drivers who complete an approved driver education course.
- DynamicDrive Discount: For anyone who enrolls in the program and downloads the app to share their driving insights.
- Good student discount: For full-time students with good grades.
- Military discount: For active members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Affinity discount: For members of qualified partner organizations, such as clubs, university associations, and fraternal societies.
Increased Longevity of Vehicle
One of the best ways to help your vehicle last a long time is to prioritize safe driving. First, safe driving reduces your chances of getting into an accident, which can cause serious damage to your car. Second, you'll put less wear and tear on your car. Aggressive driving, like speeding and hard braking, can stress important parts of your vehicle, such as the engine and brakes. Third, when you prioritize safety, you are more likely to check your vehicle’s performance and keep up with its maintenance schedule, like oil changes and tire rotations. Ultimately, safe driving benefits you, others on the road, and the longevity of your vehicle.
Final Thoughts on Safe Driving for Young Drivers
Remember, driving is a skill that takes time to master. There is no set moment when a new driver becomes "experienced." In the world of insurance, one might be considered a new driver until age 25 or after three to five years of driving. Yet no matter how skilled or experienced a driver thinks they have become or how familiar the neighborhood roads feel, it’s important to never let your guard down. That's because practicing safe driving for life is a win-win all around. It protects you and others on the road, helps lower your car insurance rates, keeps you out of legal trouble, and helps your vehicle remain in good shape for years to come.
At Direct Auto, we are committed to helping all types of drivers find the right coverage, no matter their level of driving or insurance experience. Call or visit us today to learn about the best car insurance options for young drivers.