When your teenager starts driving, it is one of the most significant moments in your life. It is a sign that they are gaining their independence, but with it comes new concerns.
You may have taught them all they need to know about driving and testing, but how to drive on different terrains is a different cup of tea. Here are several ways to prepare a teen driver for as many eventualities as possible to avoid or minimize the related dangers.

Rain, snow, and ice
During bad weather, when they can’t stay indoors, your teen must adapt to the conditions by:
Leaving more distance from other cars and using headlights when raining.
Driving below the speed limit.
Avoid driving in flooded areas to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Practice driving and braking on ice to prepare you for driving in slippery conditions.
Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stranded.
Low visibility at dawn and dusk
In times of low visibility, such as when there’s fog, it can be a bit hard to distinguish between vehicles, persons, and small animals. Your teen must always understand how to use the headlights, change to high beams on dimly lit roads within the legal limit, and be extra cautious of any animals crossing the roads when driving at night.
Driving within the city
Driving within the city can be challenging for new teen drivers. Teach them to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and frequent stops at traffic lights or stop signs.
They should understand the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, as traffic can stop suddenly. Don’t forget to tell them to check their mirrors frequently and use turn signals when changing lanes or turning.
City driving often includes narrow streets and tight parking spaces, so encourage practicing parking skills. Additionally, they should watch out for public vehicles and be aware of rush hour traffic.
Driving on rural highways
Driving on rural highways presents unique challenges for teen drivers, with wildlife, slow-moving vehicles like tractors, and unexpected curves or narrow roads to be expected.
Rural highways often lack lighting, so practicing safe driving at night is essential. Encourage them to maintain a safe speed, as speed limits can vary, and stopping distances may be longer.
Also, emphasize the importance of staying focused, as rural highways can feel less eventful but require constant attention.
Driving in construction zones and rural roads
Ahead of driving around construction zones, here are some ways to prepare your new teen driver:
Teach them to recognize construction signs early and reduce speed as soon as they approach these areas.
Emphasize the importance of staying alert for sudden lane shifts, narrow lanes, and workers or equipment near the road.
Encourage patience, as construction zones often cause traffic delays.
Remind them to avoid distractions, such as phones, and follow any temporary traffic signals or directions from workers.
Reinforce the need for extra caution, especially when other drivers may not follow the rules.
Additional considerations
Defensive driving is the idea that one should always anticipate the worst at any time while on the road. That’s why you should explain to your teenager how to avoid other people’s errors and warn them about the potential dangers on the road and how they should act in an emergency. Furthermore, you should teach your teen to read maps as an alternative navigation system.
Protection comes first for your new teen driver
Teaching your teen what kind of condition to expect when he is on the road is something done progressively. Regardless, you should spend some time explaining relevant tips to keep them prepared and safe while on the road.
Above all, don’t keep your teen unprotected. With the right auto insurance policy, you can be sure they are covered no matter the road condition. Let’s help you find the best policy for their needs. Call us today to get started.