Oklahoma Defensive Driving Tips

Defensive driving is the number one way to prevent traffic accidents. When you are a defensive driver, you are more alert and aware of your surroundings, are driving with confidence, have no aggression towards other drivers, etc. Defensive drivers have been helping keep roadways safe since the beginning of motor vehicles. However, sometimes the road to getting there can be difficult or teaching your teen all that you know can take quite a while. Here you will find defensive driving tips on teaching your teen as well as defensive driving techniques and tips that will help you while behind the wheel; just because you have had your license for years, doesn't mean you can't learn new things or be reminded of defensive driving techniques you may have forgotten!

Defensive Driving Tips for Parents

Is your teen on the path to receiving their graduated driver's license (GDL) and you aren't sure how to handle the pressure? Don't worry! These tips and defensive driving techniques will help you when it comes to your soon-to-be licensed driver:

Talk to your teen. Communication is key, especially when it comes to teaching your teen how to flower into a responsible young adult and driver. Before your teen actually gets behind the wheel, make sure they know that cars are not toys and that they are jumping into a world of more responsibility. Also, let them sit in the passenger seat next to you (if they don't already) and make sure they pay attention to how you drive. Let them talk to you and ask questions as well as have them answer how they would react to certain road hazards or stressful situations.
Pick an appropriate car. Sports cars and cars without simple modern features such as airbags are not optimal for teens learning to drive. Make sure that the car you both choose is fully functioning: headlights, taillights, airbags, anti-lock brakes, seat belts, etc. It may also be best for your teen to practice driving in the vehicle they will be using for their test.
Have a parent-teen driving contract. This may not seem like much, but this will be very beneficial to you and your teen. These contracts help you keep track of how your teen is doing on the roadways and will enable you to see their progress better. Many auto insurance companies offer these contracts or certain programs for you and your teen that will actually cause your auto insurance to lower. Please contact your auto insurance provider for further information.
Always remain calm and patient. Teaching requires a great amount of patience. If you react negatively while your teen is learning to drive, they may react poorly, especially if they are in the passenger seat. Staying calm and talking to your teen with respect and without yelling will put you both in a better situation.
Make sure your teen reads up on the GDL requirements. Every state has different requirements when it comes to obtaining a driver's license at a certain age. You can review Oklahoma's GDL requirements Here.

Defensive Driving Tips for All Drivers

Roadways are not able to differentiate motorists based off age or how long you have held your driver's license, nor do accidents discriminate. The best way to avoid any form of accident or car crash on the road is by becoming the best defensive driver possible. You will learn defensive driving techniques and defensive driving tips in our Oklahoma Driver Improvement program with a greater amount of detail, but these short tips will also help you on the roadways:

Always wear your seat belt. Although we don't anticipate being in an accident when we get into our vehicle, they happen often. When you wear your seat belt, studies show that your chance of being killed in a crash will reduce by 60%.
Refrain from speeding! For many, this can be rather difficult. After all, sometimes we have a metal foot. Unfortunately, police officers will most likely provide you with a ticket regardless of your reasoning. Speeding is a Top Killer on Roadways Today. Be sure to always be aware of the posted speed limit!
Don't be an aggressive driver. No one enjoys someone who is angry, and when you are behind the wheel, anger can cause your driving performance to suffer as well as frustrate and affect other drivers on the road. Aggressive driving leads to actions such as tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and more. Remember to always stay calm on the roads, as this will be the safest way to drive!

For more defensive driving tips and defensive driving techniques, Register for our online driver improvement program. Within a matter of hours you will find yourself a new sense of confidence in your driving abilities.