If you have a new driver in your household, you may be feeling a bit stressed as you begin to teach them the ways of the road. Although teaching your teen to drive in the summer may seem easier than teaching them in the winter, be aware that this time of the year still has its challenges.
Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of teen fatalities in the United States? So, keep your teen safe this summer by preparing them to navigate the summer roads and introducing them to some of the driving challenges they may experience before letting them go independently.
Here are some things to discuss with your new driver:
Watch Out for Potholes
Hitting a pothole can cause significant damage to your vehicle, especially if you hit them head-on. Potholes have been known to impact areas of your car, including your tires, rims, suspension, exhaust system, and steering.
Potholes are usually noticeable on the road, but they can quickly fill up with water and blend into the road in inclement weather conditions. Always warn your new driver to try and steer around a large puddle if they can safely do so.
Hydroplaning
During rainy weather conditions, your car can hydroplane if you aren’t careful while driving. Hydroplaning is a result of speed, inadequate tire tread, and standing water. This action occurs when water on the road causes your tires to lose contact with the road. Think of it as the equivalent of surfing with your car as the surfboard. Hydroplaning will cause you to lose all control of your steering and braking.
To help in trying to avoid hydroplaning, make sure you are following the speed limit, your tires have adequate tread, avoid using cruise control on wet roads, and again, avoid standing water when it is safe to do so.
Avoiding Construction Zones
Spring, summer, and fall are popular times for construction on the road. If you come across a construction zone while driving, it’s extremely important to obey any reduced speed limit signs set. Construction zones are often filled with workers, machines, and hazardous road conditions, so it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and watch for changing traffic patterns, as well as people or vehicles popping out from the sides of the travel lane.
Restrict Night Driving
If your teen driver isn’t legally allowed to drive at night yet, make sure you are strict about following those rules. Although it may be tempting to let your teen drive themselves to and from their friend’s house at night, remember that close to two-thirds of fatal crashes that happen at night are speed-related and involve young drivers. Make sure they’re prepared and experienced before heading on the road alone at night.
In the case that your new driver is involved in an accident, please contact 4N6XPRT Systems. We can provide you with the tools you need for an auto accident reconstruction.
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