January is Teen Driving Awareness Month. The RTC wants to help all teen drivers with a couple of tips to make sure the streets remain safe not only for them, but for other drivers and pedestrians as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers between the ages of 16-19 are approximately three times as likely to be involved in a fatal car accident, in comparison to drivers 20 years or older. Before you grab those car keys, review these four tips to make your ride safer:
Click it or Ticket
Buckle up! You’ve probably heard this tip many times, even before you had your driver’s license. The fact is, wearing your seatbelt is the law. Failure to use seat belts more than triples the risk of injury in a serious crash.
Eyes on the road
Put down your phone! Texting and TikTok can wait until your car has been parked and turned off. At 55 miles per hour, the average text message can take your eyes off of the road long enough for you to travel the length of an entire football field. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” when driving to avoid the temptation.
Reduce passengers
Limit your passengers! Did you know, you're not allowed to transport a passenger under 18 years old except family members for the first six months of driving?
The more besties you have in your car, the more distracted you’ll be. It’s best to reduce the number of passengers in your sweet ride when first starting to drive.
Learn your ride
Get to know your car! Familiarize yourself with your vehicle, especially if it is one you have never driven before. Take the time to learn where important vehicle features are located, such as the turn signals, windshield wipers, and hazard lights. Always adjust the mirrors and steering wheel if necessary before taking off.
For more useful tips, visit the CDC’s Injury Prevention & Control page. Safe driving!