10 safe driving tips all young drivers new to the road should know, USAA says
It’s gotten increasingly more dangerous for new drivers less familiar with the common rules of the road but ready for summer break fun.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,116 young drivers between 15-20 years old died in traffic crashes in 2021.
Most of these crashes happened during peak summer travel in May and June.
100 Deadliest Days of Summer
According to a study conducted by AAA, the period after Memorial Day and before Labor Day is known as the most dangerous time for new drivers.
It’s called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
From commutes to summer jobs and vacations with friends, here are USAA’s top 10 tips for spending the summer safely as a new driver in Ohio.
Start conversations early
USAA wants parents to have discussions with their kids before starting the process of getting their permits and finishing driving school.
Encourage new drivers to ask any questions they might have and what supplies to keep in the car in case of emergencies.
Avoid distractions
Once they’ve received their licenses, it’s important to remind new drivers to avoid all distractions.
Distractions can include taking a call, texting, eating, putting on makeup and not sleeping enough.
Put your cell phone on do not disturb and out of reach.
Don’t reach for items you dropped or forgot while behind the wheel.
It’s better to wait until you’re parked, take your foot off the wheel and safely retrieve your item.
Pull over to make GPS adjustments
While you’re driving, it’s best to pull over before looking down at Google Maps or Apple Maps to make adjustments.
Learn more about Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving law.
Watch the road, not your passengers or pets
When you’re behind the wheel, watch the road, not your cell phone or anyone else in the car.
Collisions can happen when drivers looking at something other than the road in front of them.
Get to know unfamiliar vehicles before starting your trip
If you’re borrowing someone’s car or taking a turn behind the wheel on a road trip, take a moment before hitting the gas.
The buttons might not be where they are in your car if it’s an unfamiliar make or model of vehicle.
Check out where all the controls and gadgets are before pulling out of the driveway or parking lot, like cruise control on and off, windshield wipers and headlight control panel.
Be on the lookout for changing weather conditions and traffic
USAA says to allow plenty of time to get where you need to be, taking account of possible weather and traffic delays, as well as normal stops for gas and food.
It’s better to get to your destination early than rush and make a mistake on the road.
Taking turns behind the wheel
If possible, keep switching up who sits in the driver’s seat, even after driver’s school is over.
Having parents model good driving behavior can “keep the learning process continuous” for new drivers getting familiar with the ways of the road and defensive driving, according to USAA.
Guidelines and curfews
USAA recommends parents set passenger limits for new drivers and always follow Ohio guidelines.
For example, drivers under the 18 years old can’t drive with more than one non-family member passenger without parental supervision until teens have had their probationary license for one year or when they turn 18, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
There are also nighttime curfews for drivers under 18 years old in Ohio to keep in mind.
The state wants new drivers to avoid the roads between midnight and 6 a.m., except for work, school, religious events or medical emergencies until teens have had their probationary license for one year or until they turn 18.
Check the full list of guideline online.
Make new drivers responsible for covering cost of deductible in the event of at-fault accidents
If there’s an accident and it’s caused by one of these or other mistakes, USAA recommends “giving teen drivers some skin in the game” by making them responsible for the bill.
In the event of at-fault collisions, having new drivers pay the cost of deductible and repairs can help deter reckless and distracted driving in the future.
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