As a teen driver, getting your driver’s license gives you a new, huge sense of freedom. But along with getting your driver’s license, you are also accepting a huge responsibility to be safe, and to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road. Teen driving is an important component of general road safety in every state across the country. Unfortunately, because teens are new drivers, they are more likely to be bad drivers, due to their lack of experience. They are also more likely to take unnecessary risks behind the wheel, and are easily distracted. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common distractions for drivers new and experienced, and how to deal with them on the road.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not just a distraction for teenagers. They are a distraction for everyone on the road. Reading and answering texts, selecting songs to listen to, taking phone calls, playing games, or searching the Internet are all huge safety risks. Horrible traffic accidents occur as a result of people checking their phones while driving. Options to avoid the temptation to check cell phones while driving include placing your cell phone in the glove box before starting to drive, turning your cell phone off, placing your cell phone in the back seat where it can’t be reached, or just turning your phone on silent or airplane mode. More details about options for what to do with cell phones while driving will be taught at various driving schools in the Bronx.

Music

Part of being a teenager and expressing oneself is to listen to music at extremely high volumes, blasting your favorite songs and singing along with your friends. However, as fun as this might seem, listening to loud music can lead to bad car accidents. Parents should try to convince their teens to turn their music down while driving. Don’t install the loudest possible sound system. And make sure to enforce the same rules for cell phones as for iPods and other musical devices. Music is fun to listen to, but make sure you pre-choose the songs you will enjoy during your drive, and avoid getting distracted fiddling with your iPod or the radio.

Friends in the Car

One of the biggest distractions for teens on the road is having friends in the car with them. While it is exciting to be able to drive around with friends without parents, it can also be dangerous. Educate teens on the importance of not letting their friends become distractions. Pulling over and telling friends to settle down so you can focus on driving is a great way to let friends know that you take your driving responsibilities seriously. A rule that parents should strictly enforce is that friends are not allowed to ride in the car without wearing seatbelts. This can help to prevent injuries and even death from too many teens being crammed into a car without adequate seatbelts for everyone.

Drive Rite Academy, one of the best driving schools in the Bronx, teaches safe driving habits to make teens better drivers. Our innovative approach to teaching driving focuses on a wide range of knowledge and skills that will prepare our students to be safe and independent drivers!

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New York is a beautiful yet diverse state, from the beautiful mountainside and rural lifestyle in upstate New York, to the hustle and bustle of busy New York City that never sleeps. It has a wide diversity of lifestyles and people, making it a unique and exciting place to live. As a driver in New York, you should be aware that there are different laws that apply to you and your driving, depending on the area of the state you are in. There are also traffic laws that are applicable all across the state. So, how do you know what the different laws are?

Before you can start driving in New York, you’ll need to know how to get drivers license. As with most other states, you have to be at least 16 years old, and have either a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit.  Those visiting New York who have a valid driver’s license from their state of residency are also permitted to drive in New York.

The process to get a driver’s license in New York is quite simple. First, you must pass the written test, which covers important information learned from driver’s education classes. The second step is to complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course. Lastly, you will then be required to pass the road test that evaluates your driving skills. The road test covers important aspects of driving, such as changing lanes, parallel parking, and other important skills necessary to be a safe driver on the road.

After successfully completing and passing the road test, new drivers are placed on a six-month probationary period. This period is set to ensure that new drivers are following the rules of the road. While on probation, new drivers who are caught speeding, texting and driving, or recklessly driving will have their license suspended for 60 days.

After the probationary period is over, new drivers will be able to drive with no restrictions! Knowing how to get drivers license is a simple and effortless process. Drive Rite Academy in New York teaches driver’s education, 5-hour pre-licensing course and defensive driving for young drivers. Check out all of the classes and scheduling offered to find a class that works within your schedule and budget!

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To read more information about winter driving in Brooklyn, check out our blog about winter safety tips.

At Drive Rite Academy, our highly knowledgeable instructors will provide you or your child with the knowledge and skills needed to drive under any road conditions. For more information about the class schedule at our top rated driving school, call us at (718)928-7048. 

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Ask for recommendations

A great first step is to ask friends and family for their opinion. Ask them about their experience with the school they choose and why they chose that school. Did they have a positive experience? Would they recommend the school to you? What would they change, if they could? Keep all of these things in mind while you are on your search.

Look for reviews online

Do not just make a big commitment blindly. It is important that you do your own research online. Do a local search to see what comes up in your area. See what other people are saying. Look for positive or negative patterns. If many people are saying that they had a positive experience at a driving school, then it is likely that you will have a similar experience. If you are not satisfied with the results in your area, then branch out. Sometimes it is worth it to travel out of the neighborhood, if it means that you will get better service.

Visit the driving schools

Now you have done your own research, it is time to visit the schools. Make sure that the facility  is neat, clean, and organized. The condition of the facility is usually a good reflection of the driving school. A dirty and dingy office is usually a sign that the driving school is not up to par. One of the next things you should look for is a Driving School License. It should be prominently displayed in the office. Next, you should ask to see the classroom.  Remember, this is where you will be taking the 5 hour pre-licensing course, so you want to make sure that the room is bright, clean, and comfortable.

Ask to see the Cars

Most of your driving instruction will be taking place inside these vehicles, so you definitely want to check  this out. Driving school cars should be in good condition. Newer model cars are preferred due to their advanced safety features. Cars should have a rear-view mirror, exterior side mirrors, and a dual-brake for the instructor. Ask if the cars are properly insured. The cars should also be clearly identified as Student Driver cars. This is to make sure that other drivers know that you are a student driver and to be more cautious (and patient) around you.

Ask about Instructors

Your instructor will be your personal teacher and coach throughout your training. You want to make sure that they are qualified and experienced  to do the job. All instructors should be properly licensed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. They should also have their Instructor Certificate card with them at all times. You should also make sure that the instructors are friendly and positive when you first meet them. The last thing you want is to take driving lessons with instructors who are inpatient and grumpy.

Ask about Pricing

Cost is a very important consideration when choosing a driving school. However, the best deal may not always be the best choice. With lower prices, you often sacrifice service, and you may end up paying more in the long run if you go with a cheaper school. Driving schools that offer unbelievably low prices often cut corners in other areas, so be mindful of this. Ask your potential driving school if they offer any packages or bundles. Usually, package deals can offer significant savings over individual listed prices.

Remember, you only learn to drive once in your life. Make sure you choose the driving school that will prepare you to be a safe and independent driver for life. We hope that these tips help you with your quest!

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Call Drive Rite Academy at (718) 928-7048 for more information about rush road test appointments. We can answer all of your questions!

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There are different techniques of changing lanes, this is just one example. If a teen is doing this and you’re great at it, help them and teach them how to do it properly so they know for the future. Safe drive!

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Avoid Late Night Driving – The rate of alcohol-related crashes is three times higher at night than during the day.

Stay Off the Road on ‘Drinking Holidays’ – The month of December, the 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Super Bowl Sunday are some holidays you should stay off the road.

Avoid Country Roads and Two Lane Highways at Night – Many rural two-lane byways offer poor visibility, challenging curves, and a variety of wildlife that could cause other vehicles to swerve in your direction.

Keep Your Car Maintained, Especially Your Tires – You want to have as much control of your car possible so you can stop or do other things when necessary.

Report Suspicious Behavior Right Away – Once you see someone drinking while driving, report them to the police immediately. Include as much information as possible like color of the car, brand, license plate ,etc. Stay safe on the road!

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