5 Tips for teenagers after passing the driving exam in Florida

Are you a teenager and just passed the driving exam? Well, congratulations for passing and getting ready your new license! However, driving is a big responsibility, and especially for teenagers who are just starting out, it could be deceiving, because they think they really know how to drive just for passing the driving exam. Here are 5 tips to help you stay safe on the road:

1. Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, especially among young drivers. Keep your phone out of reach (yes, you know it, but admit it, you do it), avoid eating or drinking while driving (many times is not considered that dangerous), and focus on the road (sounds very obvious, but it is a forgotten very often).

2. Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic signals, speed limits, and other rules of the road. Don't take risks, it is always worthy to get a few minutes late than late with a ticket or even worse, not arriving at all because of a crash.

3. Wear Your Seatbelt: Buckle up every time you get in the car, and make sure your passengers do the same. In Florida, many people get tickets because they don’t know that any person under the age of 18 inside the car (in the front or rear seat) not wearing the seatbelt is against the law. Seatbelts save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.

4. Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings, check behind every time you brake and anticipate other never trust other drivers. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially large trucks and buses.

5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Did you know that a DUI will be in your record for 75 years? Did you know that some DUI cases have cost the driver almost $9K? Drinking and driving is a serious offense, and it puts yourself and others at risk. Don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking, and never ride with someone who has.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers ages 16-19 have the highest crash rate of any age group in Florida. In 2019, there were 37,150 crashes involving drivers in this age group, resulting in 144 fatalities and 23,724 injuries. The first year of driving is particularly risky, with young drivers being 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers over age 20.

It's also important to note that there are legal consequences for breaking traffic laws and/or causing a crash. Speeding, running a red light, and other traffic violations can result in fines, points on your license, and even license suspension or revocation. If you are at fault in a crash, you could be held liable for damages and injuries

If you ever said or thought this line: “that’s not gonna happen to me”, my friend, you are more vulnerable than many out there driving with the same experience you have. Don’t be part of the statistics!!!

Important Things New Drivers Should Always Remember

Lessons for a New Driver

It's not easy to be a new driver. The learning curve is steep, and the rules of the road are complicated. But with these 7 lessons, you'll be driving like a pro in no time!

1. Be Careful When You're Driving

Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that people do on a daily basis. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 deaths in the United States every year from car accidents.

a) Be careful when you're driving:

- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at all times.

- Don't drive when you feel tired or sleepy.

- Keep your vehicle in good working order so it will be safer to drive.

b) Driving safety tips for new drivers:

- Practice driving with an experienced driver before going out on your own.

- Always buckle up, no matter where you are sitting in the car or what you're doing at the time of impact.

2. Fighting Against Peer Pressure when Driving

This is difficult but very important thing to do, especially true when there are other people in the car with you. Giving into peer pressure can pave the way for disaster and result in fatal consequences.

The negative effects of peer pressure are felt both mentally and physically. Peer pressure can lead to binge drinking, drugs and violence, as well as encouraging risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated and others.

Peer pressure is a huge factor that affects new drivers. The statistics show that approximately 66% of teenagers say that it's okay for new drivers to give into peer pressure. However, the pressure can be managed by taking a step back and evaluating whether the behavior is appropriate and safe. Parents should talk to their teenagers about how it's okay for them to say no when feeling pressured and that they have control over their decisions.

3. Real Deal Starts when You are Driving Alone

Going out on your own to drive can be a big challenge. We recommend you work with a driving instructor first and set clear goals for yourself. The one scary thing is that there's no one to tell you what to do, but the thrill of being independent will push you through. Sometimes we need to be taught how not to do something first before we're ready.

Start taking your lessons now and do your best, but remember to keep distractions at bay. The best way to learn how to drive is to practice, practice, practice! But it's also important not to let distractions get in the way of your success.

Whether you’ve been learning for a long time or have just begun, the most important aspect is to keep practicing.

4. Don't Forget to Take a Break!

It is important that we take breaks while driving to avoid accidents. How often should you take a break while driving? It is recommended that you take a break every two hours of driving or every 50 miles.

It is important to be aware of how our bodies are feeling when driving. Fatigue and stress can change how we respond to the road. If you notice that your reaction time is more pronounced or that you are feeling more stressed then it may be time for a break.

5. Practice Safe Driving Habits

It is important to practice safe driving habits at all times. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe while driving.

- Don't text and drive

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a person can do while behind the wheel. It's incredibly difficult to multi-task and text, plus the driver's attention is being pulled away from the road. This is something that shouldn't be done when driving.

- Wear your seatbelt at all times when driving.

From a statistic of one out of three people not wearing their seatbelt, to one out of two, it is important that you always wear your seatbelt when driving. For example, if a person is sitting in the backseat they may want to wear their seatbelt because airbags are not meant to protect backseat passengers.

- Keep your distance from other drivers, especially in heavy traffic.

In heavy traffic, it is easy to get frustrated and hooked up with another driver, but that can lead to disaster. If you are stuck in a long line of cars, maintain your distance from other drivers so if one of those drivers does something stupid or dangerous, you will have time to react.

6. Practice Defensive Driving Even If You're Not in an Emergency

Defensive driving is a term that refers to a driver's methods of minimizing the risk of an accident.

It is important to note that this practice is not only applicable in emergency situations. It can be applied in every driving scenario.

It is a key component to the safety of the driver, their passengers, and other drivers on the road. Defensive driving practice can save lives, both of people in your vehicle as well as others on the road.

Drivers practicing defensive driving take into account all of the other drivers on the road and, in order to stay safe while driving, one must practice safe driving by avoiding risky behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or harsh braking and turning, paying attention and being observant of the environment around you; maintaining control over your vehicle; recognizing dangerous situations that might require quick maneuvers; and staying within your comfort to mention some of them.

Hoping many more miles full of smiles, drive safe ‘cause the next post will be good too.