The Alternative Press

Teen Drivers: Tips for Safety When New to the Road

At our insurance agency, we see the value in parents teaching their teens safe driving skills for now and for the rest of their lives. In appreciation of this important role, we would like to invite families of new drivers to The Heights Agency, 302 Springfield Ave in Berkley Heights, for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation on the importance of insurance and financial planning. In addition, we are pleased to offer a complimentary token of appreciation to parents and their teens.  Call or email (satchison@Allstate.com) to schedule an appointment.

Please see these additional tips for ensuring your teens time on the road is as safe and rewarding as possible.

The first few months of a new license are some of the most exciting in your life as a teenage driver. They are also some of the most deadly.

We've all heard the statistics about teen crashes. In the midst of so much tragedy, we forget that there are simple steps new drivers can remember to vastly increase safety for you and for others on the road.

Check out these tips for tackling the roads at any time of the year.

Autumn: School, Sports, and Driving with Crowds

• When driving to school, remember to arrive ten or fifteen minutes before the first bell so that you can park without the stress of crowded crosswalks and parking lots.
• Whenever legally possible, park in a place where you can pull forward instead of backing out; backing into populated areas is always more difficult than pulling directly into traffic.
• If you travel with valuables, keep them on your person; when left in the open, both electronics and sports equipment tempt thieves to break into your car, especially over the course of a school day.

Winter: Snow, Ice, and How to Prepare

• When temperatures are below freezing, add double or triple the usual space between cars to account for slippery surfaces.
• When digging out a car, check for snow or ice that may have blocked an exhaust pipe to ensure the carbon monoxide escapes.
• If you drive a white car in the snow, make extra sure to turn your lights on so that you stand out against the banks.
• Whenever the road is slippery, turn off the cruise control and make sure to brake slowly and often.

Spring: Flowers, Showers, and the Cruelest Months

• During any rain, remember, always turn your headlights on whenever your windshield wipers are running. Not only will you be able to see more effectively, other cars will also be able to see you.
• Never pass another car in when weather conditions are hazardous; this includes both snow and heavy spring rain.

Summer: Heat, Distractions, and Making the Most of a Safe Vacation

• While keeping the windows down can save some gas, it also lets insects into your car. If you see a bug, do not try to kill it while driving. Instead, pull over, or let a passenger take care of the nuisance for you.
• When away on vacation, remember the changes in driving conditions:
  • If you are visiting the city, leave enough stopping distance, even in tight traffic. You never know when traffic patterns might change unexpectedly.
  • If you are visiting the country, remember that wildlife can run into the road without warning. Always drive with caution, be aware of your surroundings, and when appropriate, use your high beams to see more distance.

 For more information about safety behind the wheel, visit http://www.allstatefoundation.org/teen-driving and start playing safety games today!

For more than 23 years, Lori Cicali has worked with Allstate Insurance, providing service to hundreds of families regarding their protection needs. She takes pride in fusing the individual consideration of a personal office with the strength and support of the entire Allstate network. Lori's goal is simple: to protect the things that matter most to you and your family.

Learn more at: http://www.allstateagencies.com/LoriCicali/Welcome