Teen Highway Driving Tips
Teen Highway Driving Tips
Brought to you by Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
When your teen first starts driving, things can get a little dicey. It can be nerve-racking handing over the keys of your car to an inexperienced driver, and let them go on the highway can make that nervous pit in your stomach grow even larger. It's important that your pride and joy get the hang of the local roads before they venture out onto the interstate. Once a new driver is ready to tackle the highway being fully prepared can help your teenager make an easier transition from the local roads to the turnpike. Here at Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have compiled some highway driving tips new drivers should consider before they head out on the highway for the first time.
Choose the right time
If your teenager is planning on going on the highway for the first time, you're going to want to pick the right time and place for which to practice. Consider starting the highway journey on a turnpike that isn't too busy or during the time of day when there aren't a lot of drivers on the road. Instead of driving while it's raining or snowing, choose a bright and clear day so that they can see what's in front of them more clearly. The more times they go out on the highway on those clear days, the more acclimated they will be down the line.
Start in the right lane
When traveling down the highway for the first time, you should make sure that your teen starts in the right lane. Drivers who are just starting have no business moving over into the left lane as it's intended for passing other vehicles. When your young driver starts in the right lane, it will help them interact better with the traffic coming onto the freeway, and they can maintain their speed a little better and see what's in front of them clearer. If they have to move in another lane for any reason, make sure they look and use their turn signal.
Leave enough space
Ensuring your teen driver establishes a proper speed and distance is the key to managing lane changes when on the highway. All drivers should make sure that they leave at least four to six seconds worth of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you as you make your move. It's also a good idea to routinely check the rear-view and side-view mirrors as well as your blind spot before changing lanes. The more space your teen has means they will have more time to avoid a collision or react to debris on the turnpike.
Use turn signals
Your teenager needs to get in the habit of using their turn signal regularly, even if they believe that their intentions are clear. Using the blinker is the best and only way to communicate with other drivers, and many experienced drivers do not regularly use them when driving on the turnpike. The best way to keep your teen in the habit of using their turn signal is to use it regularly yourself! Setting a good example is always the best way to make sure your teen gets good driving habits.
Keep calm
Driving on the turnpike is more than just proper driving. You also need to make sure you have a certain level of maturity when behind the wheel. Teen drivers need to make sure they are taking driving seriously and do not take things personally. This is especially true when they are driving on the highway. If someone cuts them off, it's best that they let it go as they don't know the other driver's mental state. They could have made a mistake as drives aren't perfect. Be sure that your teen understands to stay calm when they are out on the road.
Make sure your vehicle is highway ready at Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Before your teen heads out on the turnpike, you will want to make sure that the vehicle they're driving is suitable for going on the turnpike. This includes making sure the oil is changed, tires rotated, and fluids topped off. If you need a more serious repair, our technicians here at Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can help you with that as well. We look forward to working on your vehicle, and you can make an appointment by heading down to our dealership or by filling out a form here on our website. We can't wait to see you here at Columbiana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!
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