Defensive driving involves safe practices that avoid common dangers on the road. Teaching your teenager to drive defensively will keep your insurance costs down and help them be safer on the road by preventing accidents. Giving them some actionable tips will help them stay safe, even when you’re not in the car to remind them.   

How to Drive Defensively

1. Follow the Three-Second Rule

The three-second rule helps drivers maintain a safe following distance so they can react or stop in time if the car in front brakes or slows down unpredictably. When the car in front of you passes a stationary object, you should be able to count three full seconds before passing the same object.

If it’s raining or foggy, it should be four seconds instead of three. This will help account for slick roads and impaired vision that might prevent you from stopping sooner.

2. Don’t Trust Other Drivers

Never assume that another driver is going to behave the way you would or will follow the rules of the road. If an oncoming driver has a turn signal on, don’t assume they’re going to turn and pull in front of them. When your light turns green, look both ways before proceeding in case another driver runs their red light.

3. Eliminate Distractions

Distracted driving is estimated to cause more than 1,000 injuries and nine deaths every day in the United States. Taking your eyes or attention off the road, even for a moment, is extremely dangerous.

Ask your teenage driver to leave their phone out of sight so they’re never tempted to text or answer a phone call. Passengers in the car should always leave the driver alone. If your teenager must put on music or get directions, they should only do so when the vehicle is parked.

Barry Insurance is here to protect you and your family while on the road in Texarkana, TX. This independent insurance company offers affordable coverage from top providers such as Progressive® and Travelers®. They offer insurance for every driver and vehicle in your family to ensure you can get the repairs or medical attention needed in case of an accident. Learn more on their website or call (903) 831-3493 to request a free auto insurance quote.