Top Teen Driving Tips from a Teen Expert

Four years ago, Shelby Fix, The Car Coach 2.0, lost a friend in a car crash that involved texting while driving.

“It really hit home,” said Shelby, the daughter of The Car Coach Lauren Fix, a nationally recognized automotive expert.

Because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Your AAA caught up with Shelby, who has become the go-to girl for teens to get car care and automotive safety advice. Here are a few of her suggestions for staying focused behind the wheel.

No photo shoots

Using Snapchat and Facebook Live while driving has become a thing, even though – like texting and talking on the phone – it’s incredibly dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk, Shelby said. The simple solution is don’t do it.

Pause conversations

Put chats on hold before you drive by sending a text or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb. “Put [your phone] somewhere you won’t be tempted to respond to texts or read alerts,” Shelby said.

Turn down the volume

Even Shelby jams out to music occasionally, but try not to get so into a song that you’re taking your focus off the road. If you have passengers, keep chitchat to a minimum. Talking to passengers is a factor in many car crashes.

Speak your mind

Never hesitate to tell somebody to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, Shelby said. “Don’t let anybody put you in a situation that you don’t want to be in. Driving is a privilege. You have a responsibility to drive by the rules for the safety of yourself and others,” she said.

For more teen driving tips and resources, visit TeenDriving.AAA.com.