|
Safety
Tips for Young Drivers
Wear your safety belt.
In the last three years, nearly 600 young people died in traffic crashes in Missouri. Of those who had access to a safety belt, 78 percent were not buckled up. Missouri's graduated driver license law requires all drivers holding a permit or an intermediate license - and all of their passegners - to wear a safety belt at all times.
Obey the speed limit.
Speeding is a major
cause of traffic crashes. You should always obey the posted speed
limit. More drivers are convicted of speeding than any other offense.
Remember, this will affect your ability to apply for your full
license under the Graduated Driver License law and can also affect
your insurance rates.
Some important things
to remember about your driving speed:
- Always drive at a safe speed. The speed limit is the maximum speed allowed under normal conditions. Adjust your speed tak into account your driving ability, the capability of your vehicle, the roadway and weather conditions.
- Slow down in rain, fog, snow and ice, and keep
at least twice the normal stopping distance between you and vehicle
in front of you.
- Slow down when approaching curves, intersections,
downhill grades, heavy traffic and work zones.
Give driving your full
attention.
Distracted
drivers are more likely to be involved in a traffic crash. You
can be distracted by anything that takes your attention away from
the task of driving.
Some
tips:
- Pull off of the road to find a safe place to talk on the cell phone or look for items in the vehicle.
- Program radio stations or make CD selections
before you get on the road.
- Do not let others ride with you if they distract you.
- Never read while you are driving.
- Plan your trip before you leave and get directions to your destination.
- Do not put on makeup, shave, or eat while driving.
Lane usage and turns
Many
traffic crashes occur because people do not stay on their side of
the roadway or they make turns incorrectly.
Some
tips:
- Make sure you are in a legal passing zone before
passing another vehicle. It is illegal to pass on the right or
the shoulder of the roadway.
- Use turn signals about 100 feet before the
turn or intersection and when changing lanes.
- Make sure your vehicle is in the proper lane
for turning. Do not cross over into another lane of traffic.
- Slow down appropriately (or stop, if required)
before making a turn.
- Pay attention to your lane position, keeping
your vehicle in the center of your lane.
- Do not pass on hills, curves or at intersections.
Don't drink and drive.
Underage
drinking is against the law. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to
purchase, possess or consume ANY amount of alcohol in ANY situation.
Under Missouri's Zero Tolerance law your license will be suspended
if you're caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system
- that means less than one drink can put you over the limit.
Some
tips:
- Whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to drive yourself
home, even if you think you're okay.
- Ask a friend who hasn't had any alcohol to
give you a ride. A designated driver is the person who has had
NO alcohol.
- If you and all your friends have been drinking,
call a parent, older sibling or even a cab. Everyone will be glad
you chose the safe way home.
- If you've been drinking at a friend's house,
staying where you are is always safer than gambling with your
own life and the lives of others.
- See a friend stumbling to their car? Get their
keys and find them a safe way home. You could be saving their
life.
More information on young
drivers
•
Facts
Young Drivers ~ Safety Belts ~ Impaired Driving ~ Traffic Safety Grants
~ About Highway Safety ~ Older Drivers ~
|
