If you have a new driver in your household, you may have noticed the cost of auto insurance increase dramatically. This is because teen drivers are at higher risk of auto accidents than those in any other age group. To help your young driver stay safe on the road, explore a few driving safety tips below.

A New Driver’s Guide to Road Safety

1. Always Wear a Safety Belt

The time it takes to buckle the seat belt could be the most critical three seconds in a person's life. Seat belt use reduces the chances of fatality in the front seat by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%. Because new drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident, it is essential—and required by law— that they buckle up. Do this every time you get behind the wheel and insist your passengers follow suit.

2. Avoid Distractions

Every day in the U.S., more than 1,000 people are injured in accidents caused by distracted driving. Distractions include handheld device use, putting on makeup, eating, and chatting with backseat passengers. When you are behind the wheel, focus on only one task: reaching your destination safely. If you must eat, answer a phone call, or scold someone in the back seat, pull off the road and park before doing so.

3. Leave Home Early

People are more likely to drive aggressively if they are late for work or some other appointment. Circumvent the temptation to speed by leaving yourself plenty of time to get where you're going without being late. Depart ten minutes or more before you need to, so you can accommodate dawdling drivers without driving dangerously.

For help finding the right auto insurance for your new driver, contact the experts at Absolute Insurance Agency in Foley, AL. They serve clients in and around Baldwin County and have more than 30 years of combined industry experience. In addition to auto insurance, they also specialize in boat, home, and motorcycle insurance. You can learn more about the services they offer by visiting their website. Call (251) 942-6837 to request a quote.