If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their driving to current conditions.
Rain, Snow and Ice
It’s not always possible to stay put in inclement weather, although that should be your teen’s first choice in a storm or freezing weather. If your child must venture out, here’s what they should know:
Low Visibility at Dawn and Dusk
Early morning and sunset are times of reduced visibility and therefore more accidents. Use headlights, reduce speed if necessary, and watch out for animals, like deer, on the road.
Road Construction
Construction zones always have lower speed zones to protect workers, so your teen should prepare to drive considerably slower. Pay attention to changing road surfaces, detours, merging where lanes discontinue, and workers manually directing traffic with signs and hand semaphores.
If two lanes narrow to one, never compete with other vehicles to be first through the merge. Rather, follow the patterns of every other car weaving into the new lane or simply let other traffic go ahead until the way is clear.
Rural Roadways
Country roads have unique hazards such as:
Driving on these roads requires more patience and extra vigilance. Turn down the radio, put away the snacks, and focus on the driving conditions.
City Driving
City roads also have their own risks. Your teen should watch out for:
Rarely can drivers travel the speed limit in dense urban areas. Remind your teen to allow as much stopping distance as possible at crossings and when following other vehicles. They should use their directional signals whenever turning but not assume other motorists will be as courteous.
If your teen will be driving frequently in city traffic, they should become adept at parallel parking by practicing in a low-stress environment until it becomes second nature.
Navigating Highways
Highway driving requires its own skill set, which your child should practice with an experienced driver during low-traffic times before attempting it on their own. Here are a few final suggestions for safe highway driving:
Car Insurance
Do you have a teen driver in your household that needs to be added to your auto insurance policy? Consider increasing your liability coverage at the same time to make certain you have adequate protection in case of an accident. Our independent agents at Clauss Bovard Man Levy Nogi Insurance can help you find the best policy for your needs. Call us at 570-489-7533 with your questions, or start a policy online any time at your convenience.
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