New drivers often lack the necessary experience to be safe on the road. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in young people, so new drivers need to take safety seriously.

Here are some simple tips from us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia to help you stay safe behind the wheel:

1. Always wear your seatbelt. Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe while driving. Ensure you and any passengers in your vehicle are buckled up before hitting the road.
2. Don’t text and drive. Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year, so it’s essential that you keep your eyes on the road at all times when behind the wheel. Put your phone away or turn off notifications while driving so you won’t be tempted to look at it on the road. 
3. Be aware of speed limits and obey traffic laws. Speeding is a significant contributor to car crashes, so stay within posted speed limits when out on the road. Obey all traffic signals, such as stop signs and yield signs, too – these rules are there for a reason!
4. Drive defensively, not aggressively. Defensive driving means watching out for other cars on the road and anticipating their actions to stay safe – don’t drive aggressively, putting yourself or other drivers at risk of an accident or injury. 

Following these safety tips can help ensure that every time you hit the road, you confidently know that you are taking steps to protect yourself and others around you from harm. For more tips, call us at Smith Insurance Agency of West Virginia today! We proudly serve the Kingwood, WV area.