If you’re a teenage driver, you may have read some of the recent articles about the high rate of teenage facilities over summer with dismay. Having spent all year with limited time to drive due to classes, you may have been looking forward to making more use of your license in the next few months.
These articles certainly should not deter you from doing this, but it’s important to remember you need to exercise caution.
Don’t jump straight in at the deep end
Driving is a skill, and like other skills you will have learned, it is important to build up your skill level gradually. Don’t be tempted to test your limits or those of your vehicle. You are still a relative beginner. Start with shorter trips, avoiding busy times if possible and drive well within your limits.
Don’t be pressured into things
If you take your car to an event where your buddies are drinking alcohol some of them may still have outdated attitudes about people who turn down a drink. Stand your ground and refuse their attempts to get you to have even just one. You might also face pressure from your friends to drive faster, race that motorcycle or carry on another half hour when you are crying out for rest. Saying no when you need to is better for you and them.
Stand up for your rights
Crashes can still occur to even the most careful of drivers. If you are involved in one, you may find others seizing upon your age to blame you for the collision. Experienced legal guidance is typically the best method of standing up for yourself and holding other drivers responsible when it is them who was in the wrong.
