Chloe Rules For Driving

When it comes to driving safety there are a few points that one should always remember. Always wear a seat belt. There has been countless proof that seat belts save lives. Do not start the car unless the seat belt is on. The second important rule is never text and drive. So many teens these days are connected to their cell phones. I am 17 and am also constantly on my phone. If I am not watching videos, I text my friends. Although you may find it impossible to detach from your phone while driving it’s of the uttermost importance. Whenever you are driving down the road glance around you and I bet you will see numerous people driving and texting. It’s amazing how many people do it and it is so unsafe. I have watched people literally drive into someone else’s lane due to looking down at their phone. The chances of you rear ending someone is also so much higher cause you are not paying attention. If you have blue tooth turn it on and connect your phone before you drive. This way you can answer imperative calls if you must without taking your eyes off the road. If you must text or look up direction’s pullover in a safe place and do so. You should also never mess with the radio or music app on your phone while driving. If you must change the music, ask the person driving with you to do it. If you do not have someone sitting on the passenger side who can work the phone and radio for you then do not do it. I think with experience comes better driving and if you are a new driver, it’s imperative you pay attention to the road and everyone else on it. I have done everything that you should not do as a new driver but am learning to stop my bad habits. Teenagers like me feel like we know everything and or ready to drive the minute we get that license in hand. This is not always the case, take as many driving courses you can to prepare for the road and learn everything you can before getting in the car. A few weeks after I got my driver’s license a man road raged and swiped the side of my car. He assumed I cut him off and this was his retaliation. Not only did it do major damage to my car, but it also terrified me to drive. We live in Florida which is a no-fault state so regardless of fault your insurance prices rise. My car insurance was already high for being a teen and now it was even more. His negligence cost my family a lot of money as well as himself. After he swiped my car, he sped away and ended up totaling his car into a guard rail a few miles down the road. Now he has no car, a ticket, a lawsuit from my parents, and I am sure of a bodily injury. Do not ever road rage on anyone, getting somewhere a few seconds faster is not worth the cost of damage or prices you must pay later. Retaliation for what you think is someone’s poor driving is never the answer. Pay attention to your surroundings and take a driving defensive course. I needed one after my accident to feel better about getting back behind the wheel. I was so shaken up and never wanted to drive again but my family made me get back behind the wheel. Remember you are in control and it’s imperative to make it home safe and for others to arrive safely also. Keep an eye on the others around you and be cognizant of their next driving moves so you can plan accordingly. Do not ever drive intoxicate and or impaired. You should never drive tired either. Statistics say driving tires is as bad as being intoxicated. I know personally as a teenager I do not sleep as much as I should. I spend late weekend nights up with my friends, and do not get all the rest I should. You must be so careful to be wide awake and alert to your surroundings behind the wheels. New cars are equipped with lots of new safety equipment, which is great, but your brain and eyes are the best equipment you have. Use your eyes to see, your ears to hear, your brain to think, and your body to stay in control. I may not have all the right answers for driving safety but I feel like if you listen and follow my tips you will be a lot safer on the road.