Away games are exciting, whether you’re playing or just cheering for your school. The road trip to the game can be one of the most fun parts of the day, but safety should come first for teens driving. An accident can quickly turn a fun road trip into a nightmare.
Defensive driving can help keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe. This means staying focused, avoiding distractions, and being ready for anything on the road. Get ready to drive to an away game with these tips for staying safe on the road.
Importance of Defensive Driving
Drivers tend to get better with experience, making teen drivers some of the highest-risk drivers on the road. In 2022, over 2,500 people in the U.S. were killed in crashes involving a teen driver.
You can greatly lower your risk of an accident by practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving is the practice of being extra careful on the road. It can help you avoid accidents — both caused by you or others.
But defensive driving doesn’t only happen behind the wheel. Preparing for your drive ahead of time can help you be ready for changing road conditions due to weather or traffic.
Tips for Safe Travel
Make being a defensive driver part of your plans for driving to an away game by staying focused and limiting distractions. This means putting your phone away, setting your GPS and playlist before heading out, and making sure your friends know to not distract you.
Be sure to stick to the speed limit, especially in unfamiliar areas, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens, like a sudden stop in traffic.
Understand Road Conditions
Road conditions can have a big impact on safety when driving to an away game. Rain, snow, and ice can lead to slick roads, while heavy traffic makes it harder to avoid other drivers.
If you run into unexpected road conditions, stay calm. Generally, it’s best to slow down for most weather-related conditions like wet roads. Consider practicing driving in the rain or snow with a parent or guardian to get used to how weather affects driving.
Check weather and traffic conditions before you leave for a game. If the weather is bad, give yourself enough time to drive slowly and safely. If you expect to hit heavy traffic, consider looking for an alternative route.
Manage Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel. Just looking away from the road for a few seconds could cause a serious accident. And it’s not just cell phones that can distract you — you might get distracted by your passengers, the radio, or something on the side of the road.
You can cut down on distractions by removing as many as possible before you hit the road, such as setting a driving-friendly playlist, sending any texts you need, and setting your GPS. Then, put your phone away. If you feel tempted to look at your phone, put it in the glove compartment so it’s out of reach.
Plan Your Routes
Pre-planning your route to the away game beforehand can help you avoid getting lost, which can leave you feeling anxious or flustered. Use a reliable GPS device or app to help you plan your route and set it before you start your drive. It’s also a good idea to plan a few alternative routes in case traffic or road conditions change on your way. If you need to change your route on the way to the game, first find a safe place to stop and reset your GPS.
Make Sure Your Car Is Ready
Your car also needs to be in good shape to make the drive to an away game. Check your car’s essentials so you know it’s safe to drive, including:
Checking the oil or getting an oil change if needed
Checking tire pressure
Checking brake conditions
You’ll also want to have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. Emergency kits usually include things like a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a tool kit.
Benefits of Carpooling
Carpooling can help you save money on gas and can be a fun experience with your friends. Having other people in the car can also cut down on the stress of driving as you share responsibilities with others.
That said, make sure you set expectations on how everyone needs to act in the car. Passengers can be a big distraction, so let your friends know you need them to help you stay focused on the road.
Remember What You Learned in Driver’s Ed
Driver’s education can help you get ready for a long drive by preparing you for real-world driving situations. You’ll learn how to handle changing road conditions, busy roads, and how to make safe, quick decisions while driving.
Courses often use defensive driving modules that recreate situations you might encounter on the road. This lets you practice defensive driving skills without the danger of being behind the wheel of a real car.
Be Road Ready for an Away Game
Being a defensive and responsible driver when traveling to an away game can help keep you and your friends safe.
One of the best things you can do to be a safer driver is practice. Don’t make the first time you drive a long distance on your own to your first away game. Instead, consider taking a defensive driving course and asking a parent or guardian to ride with you on a few trips so you can get comfortable on longer drives.
Updated 10/16/2024
