Unfortunately, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, with 16 year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. Getting a drivers license is a rite-of -passage for most teenagers, but it is also a major responsibility. Teens need to understand the consequences of reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
- Set a good example for your teens by obeying the traffic laws, signs, and lights whenever you drive.
- It is important for teenagers to have a safe car. This is not the time to hand them a car with inoperative equipment!
- Teens should spend 100 hours in the car for training when learning to drive.
- When you are a passenger in your teenager’s car, give constructive critiques and control your temper.
- Set realistic goals, expectations, and consequences for your teenage driver.
Over 450,000 injury crashes occur annually in adverse weather conditions or on slick pavement, according to the US Department of Transportation. The best way to avoid an accident in bad weather is not to drive at all, if you can help it. After sanders and snow plows have done their job, drive with caution, allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination.
- Turn your lights on to increase visibility, or get daytime running lights which turn on automatically when you start the vehicle
- Break gently; if your wheels start to lock up, step off of the break
- Be especially careful on overpasses, bridges, and low-traffic roads
- Drive cautiously and give yourself plenty of time to stop
There are a few simple things you should do at the start of the winter season to make sure your car is ready. Because your car needs regular maintenance anyway, the winter is a good time schedule an annual maintenance check and tune-up.
- Check the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
- Change and adjust the spark plugs.
- Check the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
- Inspect the distributor.
- Check the battery.
- Check the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
- Check antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
You should also carry extra equipment in your truck, to be prepared for a number of emergencies related to winter driving. In addition to the usual spare equipment (an inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod-type jack, and jumper cables) you should also include:
- Shovel.
- Tow and tire chains.
- Bag of salt or cat litter.
According to the National Safety Council, traffic deaths are three times greater at night than day. Lighting conditions at night are such that vision is compromised for any driver, especially those over 50. Drowsiness also contributes to more dangerous conditions when driving at night. People driving at night who are tired have a more difficult time concentrating, and have a slower reaction time. There are a few driving safety tips that will increase your safety at night.
- Reduce your speed and increase your following distance from what you normally practice during the day.
- Keep your headlights on low when you are following another driver, or when approaching other drivers in oncoming lanes.
- If an approaching care does not lower their bright headlights, avoid the glare by looking at the right side of the road and using it as a guide.
- If you are tired, make frequent stops for light snakes, drinks, and exercise. If you are too tired to drive stop and rest your eyes from the road.
- Make sure all headlights, taillights, and turn signals are working.
