With over 6 million car accidents in the United States every year, everyone needs to know how to be safe on the road. Teenage drivers should focus on road safety, as teenagers are statistically more likely to get in an accident than drivers in any other age group. Accidents can be caused by a wide range of factors, but many of these factors can be avoided by careful, observant drivers.
To help you and your teenage driver stay safe on the road, EyezUp has compiled a list of some of the most common causes of accidents and some simple ways to avoid them. Using these tips, everyone can stay safe on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the top cause of accidents in the United States. Teenage drivers are often distracted by those in the car with them, so it’s important to set ground rules before allowing your teenager to drive unsupervised.
Eating, drinking, checking your phone, and even talking to passengers leaves drivers distracted. By eliminating as many of these unnecessary distractions as possible, everyone can stay safe.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather is going to happen, and while you certainly can’t control the weather forecast, there are steps that you can take to prepare. Rain and snow play a major role in accidents related to weather – taking a defensive driving class that prepares new drivers for rain, snow, and ice is a great way to plan ahead.
HItting a slick spot on the road requires quick reactions to stay safe, but not everyone knows how to correct a vehicle when they start to lose control. Overcorrecting can lead to a serious accident, and these courses are designed to help drivers handle rain and ice safely.
Driving at Night
Drivers need to pay extra attention to the road and their surroundings at night. With a limited field of view, driving at night can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Even in perfect weather, driving at night is a different experience than driving during the day, and inexperienced drivers may not be prepared for driving when it’s dark.
Always ensure that your headlights are on, minimize distractions, and drive the speed limit when you’re driving at night. Other drivers on the road, wildlife, and unexpected turns are just a few of the common causes of accidents at night.
Not Following Speed Limits
Drivers that don’t follow the speed limit are a serious hazard for other drivers on the road. Speeding can certainly cause accidents, but what many drivers don’t realize is that driving significantly under the speed limit can cause just as many accidents as driving over the speed limit.
When you’re driving slower than the general flow of traffic, other drivers may not be able to accurately judge their distance as they approach from behind. As a general rule, you should stay within five miles under the speed limit when you’re driving. Anything slower than that can be a hazard for other drivers, and anything over the speed limit is breaking the law.
EyezUp
At EyezUp, we’re dedicated to helping parents and their teen drivers stay safe on the roadways. From fundamental driving tips to resources for young drivers and their parents, we have everything you and your family needs with a new driver in the household.
Check out the EyezUp blog for more great tips to stay safe on the road.
