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SpanishWith millions of car accidents in Canada every year, It is important for everyone to know how to be safe on the road. Driving is an A(Awareness) R(Responsibility) T(Technique). Being a responsible driver, you should focus on road safety, as are statistically more likely to get in an accident than drivers in any other age group then teenagers. Accidents can be caused by a wide range of reasons, however many of these reasons can be avoided by Awareness and Technique.
To help you and your teenage driver stay safe on the road, Fanshawe Driving School Ontario has compiled a list of some of the most common causes of accidents and some simple ways to avoid them. Using these guidelines, everyone can drive safely on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the leading cause of crashes in Canada. Drivers are often distracted by those in the car with them, so it’s important to set base rules before permitting your teenager to drive unsupervised.
Eating, drinking, checking your phone, and even talking to passengers leaves drivers distracted. By eliminating as many of these unnecessary distractions as possible, everyone can stay safe.
Stormy Weather
Stormy weather is another common cause, and while you certainly can’t control the weather forecast, there are steps that you can take to prepare. Rain and snow & black ice play a major role in accidents related to weather conditions – taking a defensive driving class that prepares new drivers for rain, snow, and ice is a great way to plan.
Hitting black ice on the road requires quick reactions to stay safe, but not everyone knows how to correct a vehicle when they start to lose control. Overreacting can lead to a serious accident, and these courses are designed to help drivers handle rain and ice safely.
Driving at Night
Drivers need to pay extra consideration to the road while driving at night. With a limited field of view, driving at night can be dangerous if you’re not proactive. Even in the best weather, driving at night is a different experience than driving during the day due to limited visibility, and inexperienced drivers may not be prepared for different situation driving when it’s dark.
Always ensure that your headlights are ON, minimize distractions, and drive the speed limit when you’re driving at night. Other drivers on the road, wildlife, and sudden turns are just a few of the common causes of crashes at night.
Not Following Speed Limits
Drivers that don’t follow the speed limit are a serious risk for other drivers on the road. Speeding can certainly cause accidents and lead to serious injuries, but what many drivers don’t realize is that driving significantly under the speed limit can cause just as many accidents as driving over the speed limit.
When you’re driving slower than the general flow of traffic, other car drivers possibly face difficulty judging their distance as they approach from behind. As a rule, you should stay within two to three minutes under the speed limit when you’re driving. Tailgating can be a hazard for other drivers, and anything over the speed limit is breaking the law.
Fanshawe Driving School
At Fanshawe Driving School Ontario, we’re experienced helping parents and their teen drivers drive safely on the roadways. From driving techniques to resources for young drivers and their parents, we have everything you and your family needs with a new driver in the household.
Check out the Fanshawe Driving Blogs for more great tips to stay safe on the road.
Related: Important tips when you practicing driving by yourself?