Top Driver

Examining Some of the Fatal Mistakes Made By Teen Drivers

When your teen becomes a newly licensed driver, he or she should be aware of the dangerous consequences that can result from a driving accident. Every year, many teenagers in the U.S. are killed by fatal driving accidents. As a parent, you can help your teen learn the safe driving techniques that will make them a safe and responsible driver.  Let’s examine some of the fatal mistakes made by teen drivers:

Speeding

Speeding is the number one cause of fatal driving accidents for teens. Teen drivers are more likely to speed than any other group of drivers, and speeding can quickly turn into a dangerous driving situation. When a driver is speeding, it is harder to judge and respond to obstacles on the road. Speeding drivers will also tend to leave less room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, making it harder to avoid a collision.

Not Paying Attention

Because teen drivers are less experienced than older drivers, they have a harder time noticing dangers on the road ahead. Even if your teen driver is paying attention, they may be concentrating more on their driving than looking out for danger. Many teen driving fatalities are caused because the driver was unable to respond to a dangerous road obstacle in time to avoid a collision. 

Seatbelts

Seatbelts are designed to keep the driver and passengers in a car safe and secure in the event of a collision. Teenage drivers are less likely to wear their seatbelts than other drivers. In more than half of the fatal driving accidents involving teens each year, either the driver or passengers were not wearing their seatbelts.

At Top Driver, we can teach your teen driver the skills needed to drive safely and responsibly. In addition to teaching teens safe driving skills, we offer a comprehensive Parent Training Program that will help you teach your teen how to drive. To learn more about enrolling your teenager in our driver training program, call us at (888) 471-5418.  

Common Auto Accident Mistakes to Avoid

Many dangerous auto accidents are caused by driving mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Dangerous swerving is one of the most common mistakes made by drivers. To avoid having to swerve to avoid a collision, it is important to always pay attention to the road ahead. Another auto accident mistake to avoid is driving while fatigued. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated and can lead to a dangerous accident. If you are faced with a potential collision, overcorrecting is another mistake to avoid. When you panic and mistakenly overcorrect, your vehicle can swerve out of control and cause a dangerous accident.

At Top Driver, we teach safe driving techniques that help teens develop into intelligent and responsible drivers. Our Chicagoland driver training centers feature state-of-the-art technology and personalized instruction services. To learn more about enrolling in our driver training program, call us at (888) 471-5418 or contact us online. 

Pre-Drive Checklist to Ensure Vehicle Safety

Before setting out for a drive, completing a pre-drive checklist will ensure that your car achieves the maximum level of safety and performance out on the road. When performing a pre-drive checklist, it is important to inspect the exterior of your vehicle for damage, underneath your vehicle for fluid leaks, and the condition of your tires. For a closer look at a pre-drive checklist, watch this video from Car and Driver.

When you enroll your teen driver in an education course at Top Driver, we will provide the highest quality driving instruction. Our modern education centers are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, which creates an interactive and engaging learning environment. To learn more about how Top Driver will teach your teen safe driving techniques, call our Chicago area center at (888) 471-5418. 

Putting A Stop to Illinois Traffic Fatalities

Traffic fatalities are on the rise in the state of Illinois. In the first seven months of 2012, 559 traffic related deaths were reported, as compared to 478 during the same period of the previous year. If you are the parent of a teen who is ready to enroll in driving school, it is important to be aware of traffic safety and fatality prevention in our state. Here’s how Illinois is working to put a stop to traffic fatalities:

Improved Infrastructure

The design of a road has a great impact on driver safety and collision prevention. When roads are replaced or redesigned, driving safety will be increased by creating more visible signage, easy-to-follow lane lines, and improved pedestrian walkways. By helping drivers to easily follow the road, improved roadways encourage drivers to navigate more effectively and practice safe driving techniques.

IDOT Message Boards

The Illinois Department of Transportation is working to raise awareness of the rising number of traffic fatalities. Electronic message boards can now be updated to display a running tally of traffic deaths in Illinois. By placing this signage in visible areas on the highway, IDOT is helping to remind drivers that safety should be their top priority when they are out on the road.

Zero Fatality Goal

Illinois has committed to reducing the number of traffic deaths by instituting a Zero Fatality goal. The Zero Fatality program has been designed to raise public knowledge of driving safety. By encouraging the residents of Illinois to take a stand against traffic fatalities, the Zero Fatality spreads the message that motorists need to practice safe and appropriate driving techniques at all times behind the wheel.

To provide your teen driver with the best possible driving safety knowledge and education, enroll in a class at Top Driver. Our Chicago center provides state-of-the-art drivers education services, and we well known for our innovative and effective teaching techniques. Call us at (888) 471-5418 to learn more about how we can teach your teen about the importance of driving safety. 

How Do Seatbelts Help Prevent Auto Accident Injuries?

Safe driving techniques are the cornerstone of accident prevention. In the event that you do experience an accident, your car’s seatbelts are one of the most important elements for keeping you safe and secure. Here’s how seatbelts help prevent auto accident injuries:

Seatbelts Prevent Auto Ejection

Occupants that are ejected from the vehicle during a crash are more likely to be injured than those who remain inside. Your seatbelt is designed to keep you safely inside your vehicle, where the car’s other safety features will protect you.

Seatbelts Provide Body Support

The seatbelt supports your shoulders and hips, which are the strongest parts of your body. By connecting to these strong areas, a seatbelt will prevent any one body part from experiencing harm and stress. The force of the collision will be spread over a wide area of the body, which helps to minimize the force of the impact.

Seatbelts Help Slow Down the Crash

Your car is designed to crush down in specific areas during a collision. This crushing action helps slow down the speed of the crash, and will increase the stopping distance of the vehicle. A seatbelt will secure you to the interior of your car, and help you slowly ride out the crash along with the vehicle. 

Seatbelts Keep Occupants From Striking One Another

If rear seat occupants are thrown to the front during a collision, they can cause injury to another person as well as themselves. Seatbelts keep each occupant in place, preventing them from striking one another. This is why it is important for every occupant to wear a seatbelt at all times.

By enrolling your teen in a driver training course, you will learn safe driving techniques that will help prevent a collision. At Top Driver of Chicago, our driving school staff will provide you with the knowledge needed to become a safe and experienced driver. Call our state-of-the-art driver education center (888) 471-5418 to enroll today!