10 Rules for New Drivers
Published Apr 15th 2007, 8:37pm by Jody DeVere in Featured Articles
by Jenny Trostel, Owner, Saab of Baltimore
In
19 months and 5 days, my son will begin driving. I know this because
he reminds me everyday. Since I own an automotive dealership, he
repeatedly asks me what kind of car he will get when he turns 16 years
old. As I cringe, I tell him whatever he can afford. But I know that
is not the truth. I know that I will break down and give him a very
safe car and I will make sure that he has a lot of driving experience
before I let him drive alone. As a parent I know that this is a rite
of passing that every parent fears. I believe that my son is a good
kid but he will make mistakes when he begins driving.
I grew
up in the automotive business. My father was a dealer. When I learned
to drive, he said that if you are going to drive a car you should know
how to fix one. Luckily I was mechanically inclined and had a good
teacher. I learned the basics about a car from an early age. Since
many schools have such a limited budget, the basics of automotive
maintenance are no longer taught when a teenager takes drivers
education. Not everyone has the same skills as I do, but you can still
understand the basics.
As a parent, I know that I can set a
good example by having good driving and car maintenance habits. There
are basic rules that every driver should understand, so I have come up
with the following 10 rules for new drivers:
As
a parent, I know that I can set a good example by having good driving
and car maintenance habits. There are basic rules that every driver
should understand.
I have come up with 10 rules for new drivers:
- Please be courteous to other drivers. If we are to share the road, we need to be polite to other drivers.
- Use your turn signals. There is a reason that they are part of the car.
- Know your car. Learn from a service professional how to check your fluid levels and tire pressures.
- Learn how to change a flat tire. AAA won't always be there quickly.
- Use the appropriate type of gas for your car. Wash your windows when you fill up.
- Choose your music before you drive away. Many accidents occur when the CD is being changed.
- Go to a professional driving school. You will get more experience in dealing with hazardous or difficult driving conditions. Professional driving schools don't teach you how to be Speed Racer, they teach you to be a good driver.
- DON'T Drink and Drive. No sodas, milkshakes, or other beverages.
- If your cell phone rings, pull over before answering the call. It is difficult enough keeping the car on the road without having that distraction.
- Thank your parents! Lots of love and understanding gave you the privilege of driving.
When the day comes that my son gets behind the wheel of a car, I want
him to enjoy the road not fear it. I know that I will be as nervous as
any other parent in 19 months and 5 days. But when that day comes and
he drives away by himself, I hope that my son will have learned to be
courteous and safe in his driving habits.
Tags
auto, auto advice, car, car advice, car safety, car selling, car selling buying repair and automotive advice for women, female friendly, female friendly car deale, rules for new drivers, teen driving safety, tips for new drivers Recent Posts
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