Teen Resource Guide - 7

slowly, “one-thousand one, one-thousand two.” (Remember to keep your eyes focused on the road ahead of you, not the object you are using as your measurement). If you reach the same object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Remember, the two second rule is the minimum used when conditions are optimal (dry pavement, good visibility). In bad weather and when following large trucks, including tractor-trailers, increase the count to at least four seconds for extra space. (Four out

long trip. If you feel drowsy, don’t drive. Lose the Booze: Drinking and driving are a deadly combination for any driver, especially a new one. Besides, if you are convicted under Zero Tolerance or Leandra’s Law you face monetary fines and you could lose your license. A description of each can be found on page 22-23 of this workbook.
(At all levels of blood alcohol concentration, the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers – Centers for Disease Control).

of ten crashes involve rear-end collisions, usually because someone is following too closely – NYS Driver’s Manual.)

Turn Down The Volume: Blasting music from your car while you’re driving may seem like no big deal, until you’re involved in a multi-car pileup because you didn’t hear that ambulance siren. (Keep the
music low.)

From Dawn Until Dusk: Obey the GDL night time restrictions and your parents’ curfew. According to the Centers for Disease Control, as a young driver your crash risk is greatest at night.

Wake Up: Driving when you are tired takes your attention away from the road and causes your reaction time to slow; a perfect combination for a crash. Drowsy driving doesn’t just happen at night, it can occur in the morning, afternoon, or during a
7 | Teen Driver Resource Guide • www.dmv.ny.gov

(In New York State during 2008, the largest proportion of fatal crashes involving drivers ages 16 and 17 occurred between the hours of midnight and 5am – ITSMR ).

Teen Resource Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Teen Resource Guide