Full Notification

TOP 10 TIPS FOR PREVENTING TEEN ACCIDENTS Develop A Responsible Attitude
About Driving
The cause of many teenage crashes is not insufficient
skills or knowledge. It is often an issue of attitude and maturity.
Commit to developing and practicing a responsible attitude
about driving.
Have As Much Supervised Driving Practice As Possible
Work with your parents to develop a firm schedule so they can supervise
your driving. Practice driving in a variety of conditions to build your
experience and confidence. Have your parents give you a chance to get
the feel of bad weather, heavy traffic, urban and rural situations and
night driving.
Commit to supervised, driving practice for at least six months in order
to get used to the road before taking your test to get a license.
Always Wear Your Safety Belt
Wear a safety belt at all times – no exceptions. Safety belt use saves
lives.
Understand The Consequences Of Driving Under The Influence Of
Drugs Or Alcohol
Alcohol and drug use is totally unacceptable when driving. Not only is it
illegal for teens to drink alcohol, it can impair your senses – there is a
chemical effect on your senses even if you’ve consumed only one drink.
Realize that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is clearly
dangerous. It can cost you your license – or your life.
Limit The Number Of Passengers In The Car With You
If you are a new driver, limit the number of passengers in the car while
you are driving. Your risk of a fatal crash increases with every additional
passenger.
Limit Your Nighttime Driving
Your risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day.
Stick to daytime driving when you first get started.
Keep It Slow And Safe
Stay away from fast-moving, high volumes of traffic until you have
had adequate supervised driving experience. Gradually introduce more
difficult driving situations such as highway driving, merge ramps and
major urban areas.
Don’t forget that speeding is the top reason new drivers lose control of
their vehicles.
Train For Poor Weather Conditions
Expect that you might not be comfortable driving unsupervised in poor
weather conditions. Get as much supervised practice on the road as
you can in rainstorms, snow, wind, sleet and ice. Don’t get on the road
unsupervised during these conditions until you feel confident.
Use Cell Phones For Emergencies Only
Don’t talk on a cell phone when you drive. Use a cell phone for
emergency situations only. If it is necessary to use a cell phone, pull
safely over to the side of the road.
Drive A Safe Vehicle
Proper attention to the vehicle you drive is as important as your actual
driving. Often small cars offer poor protection in a crash, and trucks
and sport utility vehicles are more prone to rolling over.
If you are thinking of getting your own vehicle, look for a vehicle with
high safety ratings (air bags, crumple zones, etc.). The Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offers valuable vehicle and safety
advisories. Just go to this Web site for results of the latest IIHS vehicle
tests: www.highwaysafety.org.
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P-757 © 2003 GEICO