You’ve passed the test, your license has been issued and you’re ready to enter
the roadways. After all, once you have that laminated plastic card you’re a driver,
right?
Actually, a driver’s license should really be called an "operator’s license,"
because up to this point you really only know how to perform the basic functions
of operating the car, but you need to get some experience under your belt. Here
are some informative tips especially designed for teens.
School daze You may think it’s the ideal time to goof off with friends and show off your
new set of wheels, but you should be extra cautious when driving around school
grounds.
Get to school five to ten minutes early and leave five minutes late to avoid
the mad dash into and out of the parking lots.
If your school lot has perpendicular spaces (not angle parking), park in
a space you can pull straight out of instead of having to back out. Backing out
in crowded lots is tricky.
Always stop for school buses with flashing lights. The flashing lights mean
that students are either getting on or off the bus, and they may be crossing the
street.
Out and about Here are some safety precautions for driving around town.
Avoid making left-hand turns across busy intersections that don’t have turn
signals. It takes a while to learn how to gauge the oncoming traffic.
Don’t make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do.
Watch out for aggressive drivers and try to stay out of their way. They are
the cause of many accidents, especially on highways.
Don’t cause another car’s driver to slam on the brakes by pulling out in
front of the car or swerving into another lane.
Stormy weather Bad weather requires specialized driving techniques.
Turn your headlights on anytime you need to turn your windshield wipers on.
It will increase your visibility and help others see you.
Double the space you normally leave between you and the next car. It’s harder
to stop on slick roads.
Brake gently. Do not pump your brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system.
Remember to always wear your seat belt, avoid speed excess and don’t drive
like you own the road.
