Amica Insurance, National Presenting Partner for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Exclusive Insurance Partner for Power of You(th)® Program.
This is a big moment in your life. You’re finally old enough to get your license, but you’re still fairly new at this driving thing. You need to understand that driving is a lifelong learning process.
If you’re 15 to 18 years old, car crashes are a leading cause of death for people your age. That’s why it’s important to listen to your parents, learn and follow the rules, and create safe driving habits that let you enjoy the freedom of the road for years to come. Here are some ways to get started.
Know what your state allows and restricts for new drivers. Every state has a graduated driver licensing system to help you stay safe behind the wheel. These might include curfews, driving with another licensed adult, banning other teen passengers and more. Review your state’s requirements with your parents. And then learn their own ground rules for handing you the keys to the family car.
Buckle up! That includes all passengers, too. Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the chances of you or others being injured or killed in a crash. It’s also the law!
Keep your eyes on the road. Distracted driving isn’t limited to texting – which you already know you shouldn’t do while driving! Even talking with someone else in the vehicle, looking at passing landmarks, or adjusting the AC or radio are all things that can take your eyes off the road. Keep your mobile phone turned off, in the glove compartment or locked in a dashboard holder out of reach.
Follow the three-second rule. When you’re following another vehicle and it passes a certain point – like a traffic sign – count to at least three before you cross the same point. If your front bumper passes that point before you get to three, slow down. Keeping as much distance as possible between you and the car ahead can help give you the time you need to recognize a hazard and respond safely.
Never ride with an impaired driver! Call or text your parent, guardian, or another trusted grown up to pick you up. If you ride chooses to drive after using alcohol or other drugs, never get in the vehicle and call 911.
Amica Insurance has lots of resources on safe driving, car maintenance and safety, and more. Take a few minutes to check them out here.
