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Many teenagers see getting a driver’s license as a rite of passage. Unfortunately, no matter how much you’ve helped them prepare for this day, it can all be undermined by a few wrong moves. Often, these are the same errors that lead to accidents and increased auto insurance premiums. As such, emphasize to your young driver the importance of avoiding the following mistakes—not only to increase their chances of passing but also for their safety.

Driving Habits Teens Should Avoid

1. Unsafe Lane Changes 

When changing lanes, make sure your teen is carefully assessing the traffic around them, using their turn signals, and checking their mirrors and blind spots before moving over. They should also remain cautious of maintaining a consistent speed rather than slowing down, which can be the natural response for beginners.

2. Driving at an Inappropriate Speed 

insuranceSpeed limits are set for a reason—to give your teen the time to respond to changes in their environment safely. Therefore, remind them to adhere to these rules, even if other motorists seem to be going faster. They should also slow down if the weather is bad or they are near a construction or school zone. However, driving too much below the speed limit can also be hazardous—and should prompt a gentle correction when practicing.

3. Rolling Stops 

Not coming to a full standstill at a stop sign is one of the most dangerous mistakes a person can make out on the road. It will also result in a significant markdown during a driving test. Remind them to start slowing down early so they can come to an easy rest behind the demarcation line and perform a brief scan of the area conducted before continuing. Upon arriving at a four-way intersection at the same time as another vehicle, the car on the right has the right-of-way.  

4. Following Too Closely 

A big part of defensive driving is keeping a safe distance between vehicles on the road. This helps to prevent rear-end accidents and subsequent insurance rate hikes by allowing enough reaction time to brake suddenly if necessary. Remind your teen to remain a few car lengths behind the vehicle in front of them so everyone has plenty of space to make a last-minute stop without incident. 

 

Once your teenager successfully passes the driving test and obtains their license, it’s time to think about securing adequate and affordable auto insurance. At Robert Rung Insurance, you will receive valuable guidance from one of the industry’s most knowledgeable agents. For more than 40 years, he has been providing families in and around Lincoln, NE, with quality coverage solutions at competitive rates. He will help explore all your options to determine the most cost-effective approach for adding a teen driver to your household. Call (402) 450-1564 to request an insurance quote or visit his website for more information on the services offered.

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