Driving Tips for Jersey Teens

This fall, there aren't just a lot of teenagers going back to school – there are a lot of young people that are getting their licenses for the first time. Most young drivers are just starting out with their financial independence so most are driving less expensive used cars. Some parents and drivers are concerned about safety when they think about driving. There is concern over how safe the driver is and how safe their used car is. If they purchased a Quality Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle in South Jersey, then drivers have one less concern to worry about.

If you live in New Jersey, it's safe to assume that you've heard every joke about the Garden State being one of the worst places to drive in. Teen drivers may feel a little intimidated when they're on the roads but, luckily, teens and parents don't have much to worry about. A recent study ranked the best and worst states for teenage drivers, and New Jersey is the 12^th best place on the road. If your teen is feeling a little apprehensive about driving, these tips may help them feel a bit more at ease behind the wheel:

Be aware of other drivers

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, and over 1,200 people inhabit each square mile. This unique situation means that the roads will be full of people, so it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of traffic. Make sure that you pay attention to the cars around you. Your attentiveness can help make up for someone's carelessness, and that can mean the difference between having and preventing an accident. 

Don't fear the highways

When you're a new driver, going on the highways can seem a bit scary but they're often the best way to get around the state. If you need to get to the shore, hopping onto the AC Expressway is the easiest way to reach the beach. The Garden State Parkway is the best way to get up and down the coast. If you need to go from the northern end of the state to the southern or vice versa, the New Jersey Turnpike will usually get you there fast. If you don't like having to pay tolls, use 295 in South Jersey or 287 up north. Once you get used to being on the highway, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with side streets.

Don't panic if you get lost

There's nothing scarier than missing an exit or turn when you're driving, but when that happens you should remain calm. A missed exit in other states can sometimes mean an extra half hour added onto a trip, but luckily New Jersey drivers don't have to worry about that much. Everything is so close together that missing an exit or turn is a minor inconvenience. Also don't be afraid to use your GPS or map to find a different road if you're stuck in traffic; you'll probably be able to find another faster route without any trouble. 

3 Tips Every New Driver Should Follow

Regardless of if you’re a teenager that just passed driving school, or are an adult that got their license after moving to a car-dependent area, getting your driver’s license is an exciting time. You’re probably ready to look for the best lease deals in NJ and buy the car of your dreams, but getting your license doesn’t mean that you know everything there is to know about driving.  Passing your driver’s license test is one thing, but being an informed driver is a completely different matter. Below are a few tips new drivers should follow before they get out on the road.

Get to know your car
Every car handles differently, and you should do your best to get know everything you can about your car.  Drive in familiar places to learn a bit about how well your car brakes and accelerates, and be sure to keep an eye on gas – remember, gas gauges aren’t an exact science when it comes to cars.  Know your vehicles make and model, and make sure you know how to put air in your tires, replace windshield washer fluid, and how to change your oil.  All of these things make it easier to know when something is wrong with your car, and can help take away some of your initial new driver anxiety.

Avoid distracted driving
For a while, many states (including New Jersey) rallied behind stricter laws for people that chose to text while driving.  However, people are beginning to understand that any type of distracted driving is dangerous and can include a variety of actions: using your phone, adjusting your radio, eating or drinking, or even just talking to friend that’s in the car.  In 2012, the US Government Website for Distracted Driving estimated that a whopping 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving.  When you’re behind the wheel, make sure that your primary focus is driving and nothing else.

Be prepared for an emergency
You never know what will happen when you’re behind the wheel.  Accidents and car problems are a part of life when you’re a licensed driver and you need to be prepared for them.  Your cell phone can be a valuable tool when something goes wrong, so make sure that it’s fully charged when you head out (and if possible, you should have some kind of car charger for your phone).  Carry a few emergency supplies in your car, like a flashlight, road flares, and a spare tire for an emergency.  You may also want to look into getting a AAA membership, which can also come in handy in the case of an emergency.