To most of us, driving has been second nature for a while. But we might not remember just how stressful it was to learn as a teenager. Here are 10 frequently asked questions from today's new teen drivers.
1. Is it okay to go 5 MPH over the speed limit?
Technically, no. A police officer can pull you over for going even 5 MPH over the speed limit, even though they rarely will unless you're in a school zone (which, in the state of Florida, could cost you a $50-$300 fine and 3 points to your driving record).
But driving is about safely getting from point A to point B. It's not about gambling with the law. Stay safe, and keep more money in your pocket by not exceeding the posted speed limit. You'll notice that most people feel it normal to drive 10 MPH over, and they get frustrated when others actually obey the law. Don't get intimidated, and don't get aggressive with these drivers. Stay calm, and do what you know is right.
But driving is about safely getting from point A to point B. It's not about gambling with the law. Stay safe, and keep more money in your pocket by not exceeding the posted speed limit. You'll notice that most people feel it normal to drive 10 MPH over, and they get frustrated when others actually obey the law. Don't get intimidated, and don't get aggressive with these drivers. Stay calm, and do what you know is right.
2. How slow should I go when it's raining?
The rule of thumb is to drive as slow as you need to in order to feel safe. Add some wind, and driving in the rain can be quite a hassle. If you're on the highway or a 4-lane road, stay to the far right and take your time.
You'll also see some drivers actually pull over to the side of the road with their hazard lights on to wait out a bad rain. Don't be afraid to find a safe spot on the shoulder and do the same if you need to. But we don't recommend continually driving with your hazards on. Although it is no longer illegal, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles still recommends that you should not activate hazard lights while driving.
Here's a great video from AAA about driving in the rain.
You'll also see some drivers actually pull over to the side of the road with their hazard lights on to wait out a bad rain. Don't be afraid to find a safe spot on the shoulder and do the same if you need to. But we don't recommend continually driving with your hazards on. Although it is no longer illegal, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles still recommends that you should not activate hazard lights while driving.
Here's a great video from AAA about driving in the rain.
3. Is the left lane on the highway for fast drivers?
It's really reserved for passing. Here in Florida, it is state law to drive in the right lanes of the highway unless you need to safely pass other cars using the left lane. But a common occurrence is when drivers going 90 MPH use only the left lane and either tailgate or swerve around anyone not going as fast as them. No one should be coasting in the left lane.
So for your safety, stay in the right lanes unless passing. And when you do need to pass, make sure no one is speeding up the left lane behind you. You don't want to cut anyone off and cause mayhem on the highway.
So for your safety, stay in the right lanes unless passing. And when you do need to pass, make sure no one is speeding up the left lane behind you. You don't want to cut anyone off and cause mayhem on the highway.
4. Can I talk on my phone while driving?
Legally, yes. But it's not the best idea. Distracted driving in any form is dangerous for you and the drivers around you. When your mind is taken off of the road and the cars around you, bad things can happen.
It is, however, illegal in the state of Florida to text and drive. A first offense is $30 plus court fees. A second offense is $60 plus court fees and 3 points on your driving record. In a school zone, it only goes up from there.
It is, however, illegal in the state of Florida to text and drive. A first offense is $30 plus court fees. A second offense is $60 plus court fees and 3 points on your driving record. In a school zone, it only goes up from there.
5. How fast should I go on an on-ramp?
I know this can be a stressful situation for a new driver, but the goal is to find a space to merge as quickly and safely as possible. You don't want to stop the traffic behind you on the on-ramp, but you don't want to cause an accident on the highway either.
Generally, you need to accelerate on the on-ramp to match the speed of the other drivers on the highway. Once you reach that speed, you should be able to speed up or slow down a tad to find a gap. This takes practice and confidence.
Generally, you need to accelerate on the on-ramp to match the speed of the other drivers on the highway. Once you reach that speed, you should be able to speed up or slow down a tad to find a gap. This takes practice and confidence.
We feel for new drivers, especially on today's hectic roadways. If you are a teen and you've been injured in an accident, you can call us today. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will first and foremost sympathize with you and reassure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our job is to do the heavy lifting and negotiate the compensation you deserve while you rest and heal.