Essential Summer Driving Tips for Teens

Summer provides more opportunities to get behind the wheel and explore, and if you’re newly licensed this can be an exciting time all around. This includes road trips, shifts at your summer job or even just going out to enjoy the activities summer has to offer. Driving during the summer requires some extra steps to remain safe and aware.

Driving in Traffic

Navigating Traffic during the summer months is difficult for everyone, not just new drivers. The mix of road construction and increased summer travel can lead to heavy delays and stop-and-go traffic, conditions where collisions are more likely. To stay safe in these situations, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Keep a safe following distance: Be sure to keep a 2-second window for breaking and sudden movements. 
• Conduct your mirror checks: Even in traffic things can happen fast, make sure to stay aware incase you need to avoid an accident. 
• Use your turn signal: To keep everyone aware of your next move, always use your turn signals before a lane change.

Navigating Construction Zones

Avoid Distracted Driving

Becoming distracted while driving is a main cause of accidents. With so many distractions in the car it is easy to take your eyes off the road, this is why you need to have limited distractions. This is a pre-drive checklist can help you avoid distracted driving before you even hit the road:

• Set navigation and your playlist before you head out: Having your route ready avoids having to type it in when you're on the road.
  
  
• Keep your phone out of sight: Having your phone face down or put away helps you avoid the temptation to look at your phone when you recieve a notification. 
  
  
• Let your passengers help with directions or with sending an urgent text, an easy fix to ensure you can keep your eyes on the road. 

While driving with a full car of friends it can be difficult to keep your eyes on the road, but be sure to keep your eyes on the road and arrive to your destination safely!

How Summer Heat Affects You and Your Vehicle

The summer heat doesn't just affect how you drive but also your vehicle. Before you set off on your next summer adventure it's a good idea to check your car: 

• Tire pressure: Tires expand in heat, do a quick pressure check to make sure you don't get a flat on the road. 
• Fluid check: check your coolant and brake fluid levels and make sure your oil changes are up to date.
• Wiper blades: summer storms can come on heavy and fast, make sure your wiper blades are working efficiently. 

Make sure to also look after yourself when driving in the heat. Drink plenty of water, take regular breaks, and keep snacks handy so you stay alert and feel your best on the road.

G1 vs. G2 Driving Rules: How to Follow Your License Level Requirements

Driving with a G1 or G2 comes with its own rules. A few big ones:

For both G1 and G2 your blood-alcohol level must be zero and everyone in the car needs their own working seatbelt,

•  G1: you can’t drive alone, and you can’t drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

• G2 (age 19 and under):

  • Between midnight and 5 a.m. you may have 1 passenger aged 19 or under for the first 6 months

  • After 6 months you can have up to 3 passengers aged 19 or under