Although most college students are legally adults, many are nevertheless teenagers without a great deal of experience operating motor vehicles. Therefore, students who are starting or returning to college this fall are at greater risk than older, more experienced drivers when they get behind the wheel. To help keep you or your student as safe as possible, Schaller Jacobson Collision and Automotive Repair, the most trusted provider of brake repairs and new tires in La Crosse, WI, offers the following safe driving tips for college students.

Safe Driving Suggestions for College Students

Don't Drive While Distracted

Distracted driving has led to numerous high-profile accidents, many of which could have been prevented if drivers had waited to read or respond to their text messages. Keep your eyes on the road, don't text or update your social media accounts, and if you must talk on the phone while driving, use a hands-free device.

Don’t Drink & Drive

It only takes four beers to push most drivers over the legal limit of .08% blood alcohol level, but driving becomes impaired even sooner than that. Your reaction times slow, muscle coordination lowers, and perception is affected. For safety's sake, it's best not to drive if you have been drinking at all. Rely on a cab, a ride share service, or a designated driver, instead.

Leave for Class Early

Aggressive driving is a factor in many accidents, and this is aggravated when someone is running late. Drivers tend to speed, ride the bumper of cars in front of them, and switch lanes erratically when they are late for class or work. To avoid this, leave for class early, take your time, and drive defensively.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Make sure your car's safety systems are in good condition. To ensure the vehicle handles well, buy new tires when the treads are worn down. Schedule brake repairs as soon as they start squealing. Have the wheels aligned if the car pulls left or right or vibrates at high speed. The more promptly you make repairs, the safer you will be.

For your convenience, Schaller Jacobson Collision and Automotive Repair maintains two locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, where you can schedule brake repair or install new tires. If despite following the suggestions above, you find yourself involved in a fender-bender at school, they also offer fast, dependable auto body collision repair. Visit their website for directions and hours of operation, or call (608) 788-2545 to schedule service.