1. OBEY ALL TRAFFIC RULES

From road signs to right-of-way, there are rules drivers are required to understand and follow. Following the speed limit, leaving adequate space between you and the car in front of you, obeying traffic signals, and wearing your seatbelt are just a few of them. Learning and applying traffic rules will help you have a safe and relaxed time on the road — and it will help the other drivers around you be safe and relaxed, too. Plus, following traffic rules can help keep you away from traffic tickets, which are expensive and could raise your car insurance rates.

2. SLOW DOWN!

"Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next)." The higher your speed, the less time you have to stop your car, and the worse any impact and subsequent injuries will likely be. Braking distance increases exponentially at speeds over 45 MPH.

3. KEEP YOUR CAR IN GOOD RUNNING SHAPE

Taking care of your car can help you avoid breakdowns and other potential accidents.

Car care includes regular oil changes and tune-ups, checking tire pressure (don't forget the spare!), regular tire rotation, checking brake fluid and coolant levels, and filling up the gas tank before it hovers too close to "E." For your car to take care of you, you need to take care of it. As a new driver, don't add to the variables of being behind the wheel by letting your car maintenance slide.

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