CEO's Message: New Driver Safety

One of the most harrowing experiences for both a parent and child is the task of teaching your teen to drive. For the new driver, they are about to embark on an undiscovered world along with the responsibility that accompanies it. For the parent, there is the realization that your child is crossing the threshold into the world of young adulthood. This includes concerns about learning proper driving techniques, the rules of the road and, most importantly, safety.

Understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare both you and your teen for the road ahead:

Driving at night - Night driving is more dangerous because of limited visibility, fatigue, and impaired drivers on the road. This is especially a risky time for teens. Limit the time your novice driver spends behind the wheel at night

Speeding - Speed is a leading factor in crashes for teens and adults. Teens need to follow posted speed limit and parents should set a good example and strong rules.

Driving with passengers – Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply when they have teen passengers. Set limits and enforce them.

Distracted driving - We know that teen passengers are the biggest distraction to teen drivers, but cell phones come in second. Many teens admit to interacting with their phone and in-car infotainment systems while behind the wheel despite clear dangers. Make a family rule covering these and other distractions that everyone abides by.

Impaired driving - Driving impaired from alcohol and other drugs puts everyone at risk. Enforce strict zero tolerance rules with your teen and be a good role model.

Wear a seatbelt - Wearing a seat belt greatly reduces the risk of being hurt or killed in a crash. Make a rule: everyone buckles up for every trip. It’s the law!

Teaching your child to drive requires meticulous planning and an abundance of patience. Two undeniable truths I learned when teaching my children to drive several years ago: No two teens learn to drive the same way and you are never as prepared as you think you are! The state also requires six hours behind the wheel instruction from a driving school licensed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. That is where AAA South Jersey comes in. Since 2014, over 5,000 students have successfully gained the necessary skills to operate a motor vehicle in the state of New Jersey through the six hour, on-road tutelage provided by the expert instructors of AAA driving school.

Of course, we believe all young drivers should have the safety and security associated with an AAA membership. Each student receives a membership that offers everything you come to expect from AAA, priced with a student budget in mind- free! Offering both the student and parent peace-of-mind, this free basic membership covers them regardless of what vehicle they are in and whether they are the driver or passenger.