So what can a teen do to keep themselves safe when they are behind the wheel?

• Practice, practice, practice!
  • Not just before you get your license, but afterwards as well. Your inexperience doesn’t end once you have your license.
• Be a defensive driver
  • Look around to be aware of your surroundings
  • Just because you have the right of way, doesn’t mean it is always safe to go
  • Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate the dangers of a hazardous situation
• Concentrate on driving and avoid distractions
  • Adjust controls before putting the vehicle into motion
  • Minimize how many people you allow in your car when driving
  • Remember cell phone use is illegal for permit and provisional drivers
• Be courteous rather than aggressive
  • Other drivers will be quick to judge (and report) you simply because you are a teen
  • Always follow the traffic safety laws
• Never drink and drive
  • You could be charged under Minnesota’s “Not a Drop” law for minors and lose your license
  • Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and your reaction time
• Wear your seat belt
  • Always buckle up and insist that everyone in you vehicle does as well
• Have a good attitude
  • Many teen crashes are the result of poor attitude and immaturity
  • Make a commitment to yourself and others on the road to be responsible