There are more than 14,000 teen auto accidents each year in North Carolina, and most of the incidents are preventable. Speeding, distracted driving and lane departure are the leading causes behind these teen car accidents.
Put your phone on “do not disturb”
Even if you ignore your incoming text messages and notifications while driving, the pings are distracting. You could focus better by putting your phone on “do not disturb” until you’ve arrived at your destination.
What people call multitasking is defined as quickly changing your focus back and forth, which is stressful for the brain. Driving without distractions already requires monitoring numerous factors, such as your speed and your surroundings. Thus, you may want to eliminate unnecessary distractions to keep more of your mental energy on staying safe on the road.
Avoid all forms of distracted driving
Smartphones aren’t the only distractions in a car that increase the risk of auto accidents. Anything that takes your mind off driving is a distraction. Eating food while driving is an example that few people even consider. In addition to taking your mind off operating the vehicle, it takes your hands off the steering wheel.
Stay away from 18-wheelers
You have a higher risk of serious injuries if you get into an accident with an 18-wheeler because of the sheer size difference between the vehicles. You may want to maintain a larger following difference and only pass on the left-hand side of the rig. Trucks have major blind spots on the right-hand side. They also take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Trucks have additional hazards, such as the load they’re carrying and large tires that could pop off. You have no way of knowing whether the company maintains the truck well or if the loading company correctly loaded it.
The most important safety tips for teen drivers to know are essential for all drivers. Following these tips will save lives.
