Is your teen about to embark on their first summer road trip without you? Yikes! We get it! It’s a big deal. While this is an exhilarating experience for your teen, it can invoke a sense of dread for the parents.
Your teen may be an accomplished driver, but the NZ roads are busy over the summer months, particularly over the two-week block from Christmas and with this, the risk factors inherently escalate. The mix of diverse drivers, varying skill levels, and potential encounters with dangerous, impatient, and irresponsible individuals necessitates heightened caution. In the face of this, your teen must significantly ramp up all their usual driving practices. The best thing you can do is educate them about the risks and give them some practical pointers.
As the saying goes, “Everybody else on the road is an idiot.” While it might sound harsh, this adage underscores the importance of assuming that not all drivers will act predictably or responsibly. Let’s explore these driving practices that become even more critical in the hustle and bustle of summer road conditions.
Drive with Lights On, Even in Daylight
The increased traffic can lead to more unpredictable situations. Encourage your teen to enhance their visibility by driving with lights on, even during daylight hours. This small yet effective measure can make a substantial difference in avoiding potential collisions.
Avoid Driving the Day After Drinking
With more drivers on the road, the chances of encountering impaired individuals increase. Sharing the road with drivers making poor decisions makes it crucial for your teen to stay alert. Remind your teen about the risks of driving the day after drinking, not only for their safety but also to safeguard their driving license.
Take Adequate Rest Stops
Increased traffic can lead to more stressful driving conditions. Emphasise the importance of taking regular breaks to combat fatigue. The higher volume of vehicles on the road may result in more stop-and-go traffic, making it essential for your teen to stay mentally and physically refreshed.
Maintain a Safe Travelling Distance
Busy roads often mean frequent stops and starts. Reinforce the significance of maintaining a safe following distance to allow sudden stops without risking a rear-end collision. A cautious approach becomes even more critical in increased traffic.
Practice Safe Passing Practices
Impatient drivers may engage in riskier behaviours. Encourage your teen to exercise patience and caution when passing others. The increased unpredictability of other drivers emphasises the need for responsible passing practices.
Adhere to Safe Travelling Speeds
As traffic volume rises, adherence to speed limits becomes paramount. Remind your teen that safe driving speeds accommodate the conditions on the road. Caution them against succumbing to the pressure of faster-moving traffic.
Avoid Distractions
With more happening on the road, distractions become a more significant threat. Stress the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. In a sea of potential hazards, your teen must concentrate on the task at hand – safe driving.
Equipping your teen with these heightened driving practices ensures their preparation for their first summer road trip and makes them adept at navigating the challenges posed by increased traffic. By acknowledging the potential risks and emphasising a proactive and cautious approach, your teen can confidently navigate the roads while keeping safety at the forefront of their journey. Safe travels!