When the weather is good, you may feel at ease sending your new teen driver out. However, when it is storming, you may be wondering if they really do have the skills to manage the conditions. While every teen's ability to drive is different, most teens should learn to drive in poor conditions with a parent or other responsible driver by their side. However, even as a parent, you may be wondering what to teach your child to minimize risks against them on the open road during poor conditions.
These tips can help anyone who is driving in poor conditions to avoid accidents. Accidents are dangerous and they can increase car insurance rates.
- Distance is a good thing. In good conditions, you can drive a car's length behind the other driver. In poor conditions, putting two cars' lengths at least between you and a driver in front of you can make all of the difference.
- Reducing speed is also important. In poor conditions, you should drop your speed to a level that is fitting for the conditions, especially if there is low visibility or wet roadways.
- Pull over when you don’t feel you can drive safely. Not only are conditions on roadways problematic for drivers, but so is the anxiety and worry that develops while being on these roads. For that reason, it is best to pull to the side of the road or into a parking lot to wait out the worst portion of the storm.
- Always heed warnings from state highway patrol. In most cases, these will be issued when conditions are very bad and individuals should not get on the roadway. Don't risk it even when going to school or work.
- Avoid sudden movements if you begin to slide. Teach your teen the proper way to manage a car as it is swerving or moving out of their control.
These steps, along with having a car that's ready for bad roadway conditions, can help any driver to feel safer.
Get the coverage you need. Call The Beckman Company at (405) 842-2337 for more information on Oklahoma City auto insurance.