Did you know it is National Teen Driver Safety Week October 16-22nd? It is always important for young drivers to stay safe on the road, but this coming week in particular is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to unnecessary teen deaths on the road. With motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of death among 15-to-20 year-olds and 16 year-olds having higher crash rates than drivers of any other age (NHTSA Study), it is crucial to properly educate new teen drivers on how to stay safe behind the wheel.
National Teen Driver Safety Week highlights the parent’s role in providing education to their teen about safe driving practices. The team at Michelin has shared the following tips for effective ways to stay safe on the road including:
- Situational awareness: Situational awareness is key to safe driving, including being aware of traffic and road conditions and driving at appropriate speeds for the weather conditions. Driving is a skill and requires drivers to pay attention to what is going on around them. It is also important to do monthly vehicle checks.
- Slow Down for Wet Driving: When faced with inclement wet weather, sliding can happen easily as a vehicle’s tires have less traction on wet roads. To avoid sliding, drive more slowly and maintain your tires. Slower driving allows the tires to make better contact with the road and have better traction. If you begin to slide, gently lift your foot off the gas pedal and slow down to regain traction.
- Look Ahead: Train your eyes to anticipate the road ahead. Focus as far ahead as you can see, and use your peripheral vision to observe your immediate surroundings. The earlier you see a potential risk or accident, the more time you have to react.
- Tire pressure: Proper inflation is essential for the performance and longevity of the tire. It’s also essential for the ride quality and safety of your vehicle. Your tires carry the entire weight of your vehicle. They cannot do their job properly when underinflated or overinflated. Operating your tires underinflated can also result in a tire failure. Be sure to check your tire pressure once a month. The tire is the only part of the vehicle touching the ground, which makes it imperative to our safety.
