Advice for Teenage Drivers

Many young drivers are excited about the freedom and adventure that comes with obtaining a driver’s license. But there are many unforeseen aspects of operating a vehicle, and teen drivers need to know what to do in certain situations.

Here are nine things that teen drivers should know.

• Check tire tread, check engine oil, coolant levels and brakes on a regular basis. These features need to be monitored to ensure the safety of the driver and occupants. It’s a good idea to have a tire pressure gauge a rag for checking oil inside the vehicle.
• Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights. They are designed to detect signs of engine failure or mechanical/operational malfunction. Ignoring a critical warning light can jeopardize the safe operation of your vehicle and compromise your manufacturer’s warranty coverage.
• Don’t lend your vehicle to friends. If a collision occurs while a friend is driving, the accident would be covered but it will adversely affect your insurance rates.
• Avoid parking beside vans in public parking lots. Someone could be inside the van and planning to injure you, steal from you – or something worse.
• If you get a flat tire, pull your car completely off the road. Call roadside assistance and have a professional change the tire for you. If you know how to properly inflate a tire or change a tire yourself, do so away from oncoming traffic.
• Watch out for children. Students are now back at school, day care centres are busier, and school busses are out in full force. Pay greater attention to school zones and drive with caution.
• Download a collision repair app from a local new car dealership. A collision repair app offers step-by-step instructions on what to do in the event of an accident.
• Know your legal rights and responsibilities after a collision. There are a number of decisions that drivers must make after a collision, such as reporting the collision to the police if the total damage to both vehicles and/or property is over $1,000; and reporting collisions where anyone has sustained an injury, regardless of how minor the injury is.
• Learn how to drive in snow and rain. When driving in element weather, leave more room between yourself and vehicles in front. It’s a good idea to practice winter driving (turning, braking, skidding) on a snow-covered empty lot.