When You're In the Driver's Seat
Whether you're driving to the beach for the day or putting serious miles on your dad's hand-me-down pickup, when you're in the driver's seat, you'll want to be prepared.
Stay focused on your driving. Try not to let passengers or your cell phone distract you. Although you'll want to keep your cell phone handy for emergencies, avoid talking or texting while you drive. Not only does it interfere with your concentration, it may get you a ticket in some states. Most importantly, pull over and take a break if you feel sleepy. Driving while drowsy is a major cause of car crashes. In fact, it can affect a driver's judgment as much as alcohol or drugs can.
Watch your speed. It's easy to cruise along with the music cranking and suddenly find you're over the limit. Not only does speeding play a huge role in teen driver crashes, it's also a great way to invite a ticket, which could put your license at risk. Plus, speeding penalties in some states can run several hundred dollars.
Know the limits of your license. If you have an intermediate license, you may be restricted to driving at certain times (some states don't let intermediate license holders drive during nighttime hours, for example). You may also be limited in the number of passengers you can take with you. And if you're driving through other states, be sure you know their laws before you hit the road.
Plan your trip ahead of time so you can concentrate on the road, not the map. If you're driving with friends, ask one of them to navigate. And be prepared to handle emergencies. Your basic roadside safety supplies should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a spare tire and flat repair kit that are in working order. And don't forget to check that you have your insurance information and vehicle registration card with you before hitting the road. (You can get a ticket for driving without that information.)