Understand the Facts & Risks
Driving a car is a huge responsibility, but if you’ve gone through the steps outlined in this website, you’ve got the facts to help you make good decisions. Bottom line: remember to be smart, safe and responsible.
| Get the Facts | Reduce the Risks |
|---|---|
| Seat belts save lives, and most teens wear them. | Make a rule: Don't start driving until everyone in your car buckles up. |
| Rain, snow, darkness, heavy traffic and other driving conditions challenge all drivers. | You and your parent should keep practicing together under these conditions. |
| Peer pressure can be dangerous on the road. | Prepare for peer pressure related to driving with some helpful tips. |
| Distractions are a factor in up to 8 in 10 crashes. | When you're behind the wheel, don't get distracted by things like eating, texting, talking on your phone or joking with passengers. |
| Speeding leaves less time to react to surprises on the road, and crashes are more severe. | Driving the speed limit is the smart thing to do, and it's kinder to your wallet and the environment, too. |
| Driving at night doubles your chance of a deadly crash. The danger increases when other teens are with you. | Avoid driving or riding with a teen driver at night, especially with more than one friend in the car. |
| Driving with young passengers multiplies your risk of being in a crash. | Setting passenger limits (and sticking to them!) will help keep you focused on safe driving. |