5 Characteristics of a Good Teen Driver
Distracted driving caused 10 percent of fatal crashes and 17 percent of crashes involving injuries in 2011, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you have a teen who is about to get their driver’s license, help them become a better driver by discussing these five characteristics.
1. Has a Disciplined Approach
Concentration is a vital aspect of driving. Naturally, the mind drifts off when we are bored, stressed or excited. We’ve all been caught daydreaming stopped at a green light by the urgent honk of the car behind. A good driver avoids worrying about unrelated problems or performing other tasks while driving.
2. Knows and Follows the Rules of the Road
Rules and regulations of the road change periodically, and your teen needs to stay informed. Did you know that each state has its own driving regulations? For instance, if you reside in Washington, your teen is legally responsible for the safety of any passengers under the age of 15. You can find information related to each state’s child safety laws at the site of the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
Some regulations are vague, but should still be studied. Let’s take school zones for example. Decreased speed limits signs when in a school zone often say ‘when children are present.’ This posted speed limit zone extends 300 feet in either direction of the marked crosswalk. It doesn’t specifically mean you must go that speed during school hours, but when children are present. If the school zone has flashing yellow lights, different rules apply that do not necessarily have to do with the presence of school children. Confusing? A little. But you can help your teen feel confident about driving by having them take advantage of online driving tests available at sites like driving-tests.org. Knowing the rules of the road and feeling confident could save your teen’s—or another child’s—life.
3. Has a Positive Attitude
Aggressive driving makes a driver dangerous. A good driver portrays a positive attitude, and resists the urge to partake in increasing stress. The NHTSA categorizes speeding as an aggressive act and that speeding contributed to more than 44,000 fatal crashes in 2011 alone.
4. Takes Time to Learn How to Handle Any Vehicle
For the most part, each car drives differently. Your teen adjusts to the characteristics of their main vehicle relatively quickly, and knows what to expect with each action. If your teen has to drive another vehicle, they should take time to learn how that car handles and the specific characteristics of that automobile before heading out.
5. Exudes Patience
In this fast-paced world where instant gratification is almost an everyday occurrence, your teen may find it difficult to remain patient. If your teen does not learn this skill from the beginning, every other quality that makes a good driver is nearly impossible to embody. When aggravation sets in, teach your teen to take three deep breaths before reacting.
Many times, impatience occurs because of living in the future instead of the present. Teach your teen that instead of always thinking about what comes next, live in the present. This is not to say, however, they should not be defensive drivers, and you should note the difference. Once this technique is conquered, waiting for a delayed stoplight or following a slow driver will not matter.
