Learning how to drive and getting your license is among the most significant milestones you experience as a teen. Driving opens the world to you in ways that few other things can.
It’s not without its risks, however. It takes seconds to go from being perfectly fine to finding yourself in a terrible accident. As such, knowing how to keep yourself safe while driving is crucial.
Wear a Seatbelt
How many times did your parents tell you to put your seatbelt on when you were a kid? Did you ever whine about not needing it because you weren’t going very far? No matter how far you’re driving, you should always wear a seatbelt. Seat Belt laws vary between states, but that doesn’t change the fact that wearing a seatbelt could save your life.
Even if you aren’t legally required to wear one (looking at you, New Hampshire), using it could mean the difference between emerging from an accident with nothing more than some bump and bruises and having to go to the hospital in an ambulance or worse.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is a method of driving that focuses on anticipating and identifying risks and dangers on the road and responding to them appropriately. When done correctly, it helps you avoid a lot of potential accidents.
Even if you do get in an accident, defensive driving could reduce your risk of serious injury. Injuries from car accidents can be especially debilitating. Recovery time can take months, or even the rest of your life, depending on how bad the accident was. Practice defensive driving to keep yourself safe on the road.
Limit Distractions
Distractions are at the top of the list of major causes of auto accidents. They come in the form of loud music, cell phones, and even your friends. Anything that takes your attention away from the road and your vehicle is a problem. Keep music softer, put your phone away, and correct your friends if they become too distracting. It may seem a bit awkward at first, but a little awkwardness between friends is a small price to pay for getting where you need to go in one piece.
It’s up to you to keep yourself as safe as possible whenever you drive. No one else is going to do it for you. Take responsibility for your safety and be smart about how you act while behind the wheel. Obey the rules of the road (including the speed limit) and don’t drive drowsy or under the influence of any mind-altering substances. No matter how confident you are in your abilities, it’s not worth the risk.
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