PITTSBURGH — While any time of year is challenging for a teen driver, the fall poses extra challenges.
“The main danger for teen drivers is their inexperience,” said Jim Garrity of AAA.
11 News spoke with Garrity about Teen Driver Awareness Week.
He says teens are three times more likely to be killed in a car crash than drivers 20 and older.
“They don’t comprehend risk in the same way,” he said.
Garrity says it starts with parents setting a good example and having a conversation with their teens.
“They’re going to emulate everything that you do behind the wheel, the way that they emulate their parents in so many ways,” he said.
Also, rememberall the factors this time of year brings, like the upcoming time change next month, when it gets darker earlier — and don’t forget wet leaves and any winter weather.
“Vehicles go through a seasonal change. I just got in my car this morning to find my tires are low,” Garrity said.
Plus, deer are rampant right now.
“Deer. They’re definitely a challenge in our area,” he said. “If you lived here for a year or more, there are a lot of deer, peaking in November and December.”
And finally, teens need to remember to stay alert and look in front of them.
“If you see that down the road, that gives you time to adjust. Slow down, maybe come to a stop if need be,” Garrity said. “As opposed to if you were on your phone and you look up and oh, now there’s a deer and you have no choice at that point.”
For more information on Teen Driver Awareness Week, click here.
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