4 More Common Teen Driving Mistakes

image courtesy of stockimages at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Last week, we posted 5 mistakes common with teen drivers here. We’ve come across a few more that we’d like to share with parents and teens. These are easy to rectify and highly recommended so that our young insureds get to enjoy the road safely.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Teens don’t like wearing seat belts. They say they’re uncomfortable and uncool. Often their trip is short or they just forget about it. Thing is, seat belts work. They save lives and prevent serious injuries. Yet, according to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens have the lowest seat belt use of any age group.

So, how about 3 stats from the website, www.teendrivingsource.org to convince you that wearing your seatbelt is actually cool.

• 58 % of teen drivers killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt in 2011.
• 50% of passengers killed in crashes involving teen drivers were not wearing a seat belt.
• Seat belts REDUCE the risk of death by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%.

Taking Needless Risks

There are driving habits you should get into early and caution is one of them. Taking risks while driving is just too dangerous. Always check your blind spots, especially before changing lanes. Use your turn signal every time. Do not speed, drive under the influence of alcohol, or drive while texting.

Making Emergency Errors

We understand that the only way to gain driving experience is by actually doing it. And you don’t want to intentionally get into emergency situations to practice getting out of them.

But you can think about not over steering if you have to suddenly swerve out of the way. Try not to panic in emergency situations and keep your cool as you slow down and get on the right path forward.

The best way to avoid emergency situations is to anticipate them in the first place. Drive at a safe speed, don’t follow too closely, and be constantly on alert for the unexpected. Your car is a powerful machine that can do great harm, so keep your cool and do the best you can to avoid unexpected circumstances while driving.

Distracted Driving…and We Don’t Mean Just Cell Phones

At Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig we believe that driving a car takes every ounce of concentration you have to get where you’re going safely. Anything that takes away from the old adage, “Keep your eyes on the road,” is to us a dangerous distraction. Put on your makeup, drink your soda, and play with your radio while the car is parked. Even friendly conversations with your passengers is a distraction that you should avoid if you can.

We realize that you teens may think we’re scolds. Okay, you’re probably right. But we have filed claims with insurance companies under tragic circumstances too many times. You have no idea the horror of being a parent whose child has been seriously hurt in a car accident. We do not want that to happen to you or your parents.

Enjoy the road, don’t abuse it.

Until next time,
The SZW Team

Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is your New Hartford area independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.