As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your teenager is to teach them how to drive safely. Simply teaching them the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle may not be enough. That’s where defensive driving courses come in. Defensive driving courses teach drivers how to anticipate potential hazards on the road, react to emergency situations, and avoid accidents. Here are some reasons why taking a defensive driving course is so important for teen drivers.
- Reduce Risk of Accidents
- Lower Insurance Rates
- Fulfil Legal Requirements
- Improve Confidence Behind the Wheel
- Develop Lifelong Driving Habits
1) According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in some States. There is a threefold increase in the risk of fatal crashes among teens when compared to drivers over the age of 20. Defensive driving courses can help reduce the risk of accidents by teaching students how to identify potential hazards and react quickly to avoid collisions. By improving their defensive driving skills, teen drivers significantly reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.
2) Insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course, including teen drivers. These discounts are significant, as much as 10-15% off the cost of insurance premiums. By taking a defensive driving course, teen drivers not only improve their skills behind the wheel but also save money on their insurance.
3) In some states, completing a Defensive Driving Course NJ is a legal requirement for teen drivers. All drivers under the age of 18 must complete a driver education course that includes 32 hours of classroom instruction and seven hours of in-car training. Taking a course, teen drivers can fulfil these legal requirements and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
4) Learning to drive is a nerve-wracking experience, especially for new drivers. Improving their driving skills and knowledge, teen drivers feel more confident on the road and are better prepared for whatever comes their way.
5) Defensive driving courses help teen drivers develop lifelong habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. By learning to drive defensively, teens learn to be more aware of their surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and make safer decisions on the road. These skills help them become safer, more responsible drivers for years to come.
These driving courses are a critical component of teen driver education. Make sure you prioritize defensive driving courses for your teen driver’s education and encourage them to take it seriously. The skills they learn in these courses potentially save their lives and the lives of others on the road.
