Four Tips and Four Solutions for Teen Drivers in Dallas, GA

Tis' the season where parents hand over the keys to their teens. For some, it's a graduation present, and for others, it's a college sendoff gift. Either way, dozens of teens will (and have already) enroll in our driver's class and become first-time drivers. With that in mind, here's a few tips from seasoned professionals at Hardy Chevy GMC.

First Tip: Minimize Distractions

Listen, we know you want to scroll on your phone and laugh at reels on social media (so do we). However, there's a time and place for it—and we can list several that are better than your driver's seat. At a friend's house, a restaurant, the park, Starbucks, or the passenger's seat (where you might end up if you get caught driving with your phone in your hand).

Any place is better than using your device in the driver's seat. Go ahead and drop your phone in the glove compartment, your purse, or toss it in the back seat. All it takes is a second to end up in an accident or worse.

Second Tip: Avoid Driving Under Stress or Fatigue

When you're tired or stressed, you might act a little out of character. With stress, those road rage incidents can happen more often. One second, you're riding along, and someone cuts you off on the road. The next second, you're tossing your Starbucks cup out the window at them. When you're under stress or tired behind the wheel, you can turn a bad situation into something much worse.

If you're tired, rest up a bit, and if you're stressed, take a few deep breaths. A good power nap or meditation could clear your mind and get you ready for the road. The outcome will be better with rest and a clear mind—trust us.

Third Tip: Obey Speed Limits and State Laws

Some say that rules are meant to be broken. Those same people are paying the consequences. Listen, we're not going to tell you how to drive, but we'll just mention that speed limits and traffic signs are set for a reason. Speeding can result in tickets, tickets mean bills, and bills mean extra money you could've spent toward a new pair of shoes. Nothing is worse than giving away money. Slow down, speed racer—you'll get there soon enough.

Give yourself a little cushion from point A to point B. For example, it only takes about 20 minutes to get to Douglasville from Powder Springs. If you need to get there by 11:30 am, head out by 11 am or so. If you're always ahead of schedule, there will never be a reason to rush. Bonus tip: some newer Chevy models have driver's assistance technology that will show the street's speed limit on your cluster instrument.

Fourth Tip: Defensive Driving is the Best Offense

Defensive driving can keep you out of harm's way and give you time to react to vehicles around you. Remain aware of your surroundings, keep at least a car length between you and the car in front, and brake-check everyone who follows too close. Ok, the last one was a joke—please don't do that. Please. However, if you've got proper spacing and remain vigilant, you'll be able to avoid road hazards on the expressway and city streets instead of plowing into them.

Keep your head on a swivel in Hiram and Rockmart. Check your rearview mirror every 15-20 seconds just to keep an eye on what's going on behind you. Look left, look right, and look left again before you turn onto a street. After your stoplight turns green, wait a few ticks before you cross (just in case someone is speeding to try to beat their red light).

Hardy Chevrolet GMC

All in all, being a first-time driver should be an exciting time. We want you to enjoy your newfound freedom safely and responsibly. We'll teach you these tips and more with our driving classes at Hardy Chevy GMC. Who knows—if you complete the class and show that you're a responsible driver, maybe your parent will spring for that new Chevy you've always wanted. No pressure, though. No pressure.