Teen Driver: Drive to Stay Alive

It takes some individuals many, many years of driving experience to gain the wherewithal (i.e. skill, quick thinking, faster reflexes, etc.) to get themselves out of a dangerous situation. It’s called “defensive driving” and it’s an important ability to master.

Unfortunately, a teenage driver is equally capable – if not more inclined, in some instances – to get themselves into a position that requires nothing short of a miracle to get safely out of. Also unfortunate is that teen drivers don’t have the kind of experience necessary from everyday practice sessions, or just driving back and forth to school or the shopping mall. Ensure your teens are well covered with car insurance for teenagers.

That’s why defensive driving courses can be a tremendous benefit to your teenager, and well worth the cost of enrollment, especially if you consider that it could make the difference between life and death. In nearly every state, the first step toward a teenager getting a driver’s license is taking an approved driver’s education program, either in-person or on line. Once completed, you can take your certificate to the state motor vehicle administration and sit for the written portion of the driver’s licensing examination. With that in hand, the real fun begins: The actual driving.

A defensive driving course can teach a teenager everything they need to know to prepare themselves for situations that they someday might encounter on the highway – such as the right way to brake in an emergency (it is not just slamming hard on the pedal, ya know), maneuvers to avoid an accident (you are picturing yourself in a bumper car right now, aren’t you), even proper seating (who knew seating was important?).

Sure, you yourself know all about defensive driving. The real question is can you quickly impart that knowledge to your teenager? Before they need to know it? Probably not. You may have to do some investigation to track down a local program that can teach these important skills to your teenager over a short period of time. But the real benefit won’t just be to your insurance premium (which should go down fairly significantly upon the successful completion of the program). No, the real benefit is to your peace of mind, and there is no price on that.