The end of summer is on the horizon, and that means many teens will be back on the roads during rush hour to make it to school on time. While parents can’t control how their teen drives, giving them a few pointers to keep in mind behind the wheel is always a good idea. What are some things to remember when your teen is on the road this school year?
- Look for School Zones
School zones can be tricky when coming back from the summer holiday because they likely weren’t in effect throughout those few months. Make sure your teen pays attention to signs and keeps an eye out for any flashing yellow lights indicating a school zone.
- Always Stop for School Buses
If a school bus turns its lights on and extends its stop sign, it’s time to pump the brakes. Tell your teen that if they’re unsure of whether or not to stop for a school bus, just do it! If the school bus is coming from the other direction and there’s no median between the lanes, all drivers have to stop.
- Share the Road
Make sure your teen is mindful of school buses, but also of pedestrians and bicycles. It’s likely that more people will be on foot or on bikes with school starting back up. Remaining alert and respectful behind the wheel is so important.
- Leave 10 Minutes Early
Always encourage your teen to leave at least 10 minutes early no matter where they’re headed. Feeling rushed to get to school, work, or other appointments on time can mean speeding or weaving in and out of traffic. Make sure they leave with plenty of time to spare!
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep—particularly on a school night when your teen will have to leave early in the morning—is so important. According to car accident attorneys in Milwaukee, driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of accidents. Driving while drowsy is never a good thing, so make sure they call it quits on studying or other activities with enough time for them to get a full night’s sleep.
- Don’t Get Distracted
Make sure your teen isn’t using their phone at all while they’re driving. It’s also a good idea to only allow a certain number of passengers in the vehicle as well. When a large crew of teenagers piles into a car, it can be incredibly distracting for new drivers.
- Stick to a Curfew
With school back in session, it’s a good idea to get the kids home earlier than normal. School nights, tests and overwhelming amounts of homework mean it’s crucial that they get into the routine of getting everything done on time. Staying out later also might mean driving at night, which can be dangerous for new drivers.
Hopefully, these tips will help you and your family have a safer school year! Thanks to Donna Fitzgerald from GoodHomeHealth.net for providing this guest post.
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