(NAPSI)—Getting a driver’s license is an exciting time for a teenager but can be a worrisome time for parents. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-old drivers, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. To help reduce the risk, Les Schwab Tires shares some tips on helping keep teen drivers safe and lowering their chances of getting into an accident. Les Schwab is committed to helping keep the road safe for all drivers.

Driver’s Ed Course

The more experience a driver has, the better. Professional driving lessons will give your young driver more confidence on the road and the ability to react more quickly to unexpected situations.

He or she should learn to follow these simple but critical rules:

• Obey the posted speed limits. Excess speed can lead to auto accidents.
• Always wear a seat belt. Your teen should make sure all of his or her passengers buckle up, too.
• Hands should be on the steering wheel and eyes on the road. Attentive driving helps a driver maintain better control if faced with a challenging situation.

Minimize Distractions

• Most teenage auto accidents are the result of some form of distraction. Cell phone use poses one of the greatest risks. The driver should place mobile phones out of reach, in the glove box or backseat. Texting can wait.
• Restrict the number of passengers in the car, as every additional passenger adds unnecessary distractions.
• Your teen may be tempted to eat, apply makeup or blast music while cruising around town; however, they all can draw his or her attention away from the road.

Keep up with Regular Car Maintenance

• Keeping a car well maintained is an easy way to help your teen stay safe. Regularly check on the condition of basic equipment such as windshield wipers, tires, headlights and fluid levels.
• Take advantage of Les Schwab’s free pre-trip safety check, which includes a visual inspection of tires, alignment, brakes and more.

Know that Accidents Happen

Prepare for the possibility that your teens may get in an accident or have a roadside issue. Be sure they know what to do and whom to call if an accident occurs or roadside assistance is needed.

For more information on how Les Schwab’s tire experts can help keep you and your teen driver safe on the road, visit www.lesschwab.com.

About Les Schwab Tire Centers

Les Schwab Tire Centers (www.lesschwab.com) is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and more than 475 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. The company has been recognized for its business practices through several awards, including a Milestone award from the Oregon Sustainability Board, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department honors, an Environmental Excellence Award from the Association of Washington Business, an Integrity Counts award from the Northern Idaho Better Business Bureau, and The Oregonian’s 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Top Workplaces recognition.

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Editor’s note: This article can be helpful to your readers at any time but especially during National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 15−21, 2017.