14 Teen and New Adult Driver Tips

Hitting the road as a new driver can be intimidating. That is true whether you are a teen just at the legal age to be allowed a driver’s license or an adult that is new to the driving scene. We understand that. That’s why we’re giving everyone some tips in this article.

These teen and new driver tips are essential for staying safe on the road. Continue reading below for more information!

14 Teen and New Adult Driver Tips

1.  Keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.

Many new drivers can be excited as they set out on their first trip. That may lead to wandering eyes and hands that drift from the steering wheel, making accidents more likely to occur. To ensure safety, stay focused. As a driver, you should have your eyes on the road, watch the movements of other vehicles, and keep your hands fixed in the proper 8-and-2 position.

2.  Don’t rush. Take your time.

It’s a given that you should never speed in a vehicle. However, you should also take time at stop signs and red lights. Always come to a complete stop for a minimum of three seconds before proceeding. Or after you ensure no one is taking the right away, by saying “S.T.O.P” That will reduce the likelihood of cutting off other drivers and pedestrians.

3.  Tell people where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Many forget to check in with their family or friends before hitting the road. But letting someone know where you’re going and when they can expect you to return will ensure you aren’t left without help in many situations.

4.  Be extra cautious driving at night.

Driving in the day and at night is not the same. In many cases, impaired drivers are more active during the night, so if you can, stay home. But during those long winter nights, ensure you have headlights that are bright enough to give you a clear path to your destination.

5.  Watch the weather and be prepared.

If you must drive during dangerous weather such as rain or snow, ensure that you and your vehicle have the proper preparations to do so safely. If you’re driving in the heavy rain, it may be best to pull off to a safe spot until the weather passes. If the rain brings dense fog, remember it is best to not use your high beams, as it reflects back to you, disturbing your visibility even further.  If you have to drive in the snow and hit a patch of ice, remember to never slam on your breaks. It seems counterintuitive, but this will actually give you more control than when hitting the breaks over ice.

6.  Keep your vehicle organized.

You always want a clean vehicle so you can find your insurance card and other important information if needed. If your vehicle is in disarray, it could prove as a distraction or stressor while driving.

7.  Monitor your vehicle.

Vehicles have many moving parts, which means a lot can go wrong. The best practice is to ensure you can take good care of it by learning to change oil, jump start, and change a flat tire.

8.  Always know what to do in an emergency. 

In case of an accident, always ensure everyone is out of harm’s way and then call the proper authorities to handle the situation.

9.   Know how to drive during the winter months.

Drivers who expect a lot of snow during the winter months, such as those in New England, should always know how to drive their vehicle in icy conditions. It’s a good idea to practice with an experienced driver after the roads have been plowed to learn directly from them.

And as an added tip, keeping a small bag of cat litter–YES cat litter–can help you out of a snowy spot when your wheels can’t get the job done on their own.

10.  Take extra care when driving in large lots.

Large parking lots with a lot of traffic in and out of their driveways have a lot of accidents. So you should always drive with extra focus and intention when in these situations. Learn more about driveway-related accidents here.

11.  Consider taking a driving class.

Driving classes can give a lot of useful and practical guidance regarding roadway safety. If you have the time, consider taking one. States and schools might even offer options to access classes free of charge.

12.  Keep a first aid kit and water handy.

Two things that every driver should have is a first aid kit and a container of fresh water. These items can come in handy in many situations, so it’s always a good idea to equip your care with them as soon as possible.

13.  Have a car jack, jumper cables and a spare tire.

In addition to knowing how to change a flat tire, you should also keep the equipment that will allow you to do so in your vehicle with you. Most newer vehicle models include them under the flooring of your trunk. But if not, it’s best to acquire and keep one with you. Jumper cables are something you should also keep handy in your car. Even if it isn’t your car battery giving you trouble, think of how many times you’ve seen someone in the store parking lot looking for someone who does have them. They even make small, space-conserving (and money-conserving) options for jumper cables available now.

14.  Think about joining AAA.

Joining AAA can give you access to benefits like car towing, free emergency fuel, locksmith coverage, expanded extrication/ winching service, and even free international maps. You can look into joining here.

That’s our list of teen and new driver tips! However, if you’re looking for additional protection, we can help.

Northeast – MetroWest Insurance Agency works with over 25 insurance carriers, and if you are a new driver in need of an Automobile Insurance Policy, you can contact us by calling: (800) 443-7007 or by clicking here.