Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

Teen Driving Time

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Why are new drivers more likely to be in accidents? And how can they better prepare themselves to be safe when driving unsupervised? If you’re a parent of a teen, these are questions you’d like answered.

Geico has recently been involved in a series of workshops designed to help teen drivers understand what they will face on the road. In a recent meeting in Dallas, over 80 students in leadership roles gathered -- along with teachers from local high schools -- to hear presentations that will offer them the knowledge, skills and vision to make healthy decisions and impact their peers and campus cultures.

Teens learned that the very first six months of solo driving are the most dangerous: An instructor or parent is no longer present to guide them, and teens may lack the behind-the-wheel experience required to handle unexpected situations.

Here are some critical quick tips for teens highlighted at the meeting:

• Always wear your seat belt.
• No teen passengers for the first six months.
• No cell phone use or text messaging while driving.
• If you have an emergency, pull safely off to the side of the road before calling or texting.
• Limit night-driving during the first six months.
• Practice driving in all types of weather.
• Don’t drive while you’re tired.
• No drinking or drugs.

Since car accidents are the leading cause of death and serious injuries among teens, heeding these tips can make a big difference in your teen’s life.

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