Tips for New Drivers: Learning to Drive on Highways

When teenagers get their license, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to take off and drive whenever they want. They need to have a strong foundation of practice and education so they’re prepared for the road. There are plenty of ways to help teenagers learn how to drive on highways, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult experience. A combination of time with a driving instructor and practice with a parent or guardian will make teens ready to drive on highways.

Without proper instruction, teenagers can get into car accidents. They don’t have experience and may not know how to respond to situations on the road. Hours of practice with a helpful, experienced driver will benefit them and everyone else on the road.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, an Atlanta car accident lawyer from Bey & Associates can help you with your claim. We’ll work tirelessly to investigate the accident, determine who was at fault, and get you compensation for your injuries.

New Drivers with Driving Instructors

One of the best ways to introduce teenagers to driving is to get them involved in a driver’s education course. They’ll drive alongside a trained driving instructor and will practice highway driving at a pace that’s safe and will build your teen’s comfort levels.

The driving instructor will:

• Go Over Basics of Driving. Teenagers may feel pressure to be excellent drivers from the get-go, meaning they may try to jump headfirst into driving. Before getting on the road, a driving instructor will make sure the teen driver knows where all the basic parts of the car are located and how to operate them.
• Be Encouraging. Some parents may feel nervous or not convey the most confident attitude while driving with their teens. Driving instructors know how to relate to teens and build their confidence as new drivers.
• Warn About Driving Risks and Consequences. An instructor may go over the dangers of drinking and driving and how those situations can end. While these discussions may sound monotonous from a parent, your teen may pay more attention when it’s coming from a teacher.

By the end of a driver safety course, your teenager will be a more experienced driver and will have a better handle on highway driving.

Examples You Can Set at Home

There’s plenty that parents or guardians can do at home to help their teenager become better highway drivers.

You can:

• Have an Open Discussion. Start discussing driving safety when your teen begins driving, if not a little bit before. This includes the importance of your seatbelt, keeping your eyes on the road, and always following the rules of the road. You can also show that you’re a safe driver by always buckling up, obeying the speed limit, and staying off your phone while your drive. Your teen will pick up on your driving behaviors.
• Set Rules for Driving with Friends. While teens may want to pile into a car together, this causes many distractions that may be too much for a new driver. When your teenager is more comfortable with driving, limit the amount of people who can be in the car and gradually increase it as time goes on.
• Work Up to Night Driving. Night driving is completely different from driving during the day. There’s significantly less visibility. It may be a good idea to go with your teenager for some short driving practices at night.
• Have an Accident Plan. Many teens may not know what to do after an accident. While it’s difficult to think about, develop an accident plan with your teen. They’ll know to stay at the scene, call the cops, and that they may need a medical evaluation in case they have a concussion or whiplash.

The best way to help your teen drive safely is to prepare and practice. Taking a driver’s education course and plenty of support at home will help teens drive safely and confidently.