For Parents, Know Your Teen Driver’s Risks
As parents, your job is to protect your children while also making sure they have what they need to thrive. Getting their driver’s license is an important rite of passage, but the risks for car accidents is not something you want to overlook. Over the next few weeks, public safety officials will be calling attention to the dangers and the potential for teen drivers to suffer serious personal injuries. Know your teen driver’s risks so that you can better help protect them.
Modeling Good Behavior For Your Teen Driver
Beginning October 20, 2019, National Teen Driver Safety Week will kick off with messages spread across social media about car accidents and the increased risk young drivers face. Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than any other age group. While their general lack of maturity and inexperience are often contributing factors, it is reckless driving behaviors which are often to blame when collisions do occur. As parents, your job is to model good driving behavior for your teen. This means avoiding the following:
Speeding and driving too fast for conditions
Not stopping long enough at stop signs or disregarding other traffic signals
Behaving aggressively on the road, such as tailgating and failure to yield
Driving distracted, such as talking on your cell phone, changing GPS settings, or sending texts
Drowsy driving, which slows your reflexes and increases the risks of nodding off behind the wheel
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
Protecting New Drivers
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first six months when your teen has their license is the most likely time for a car accident to occur. To protect them, set some reasonable limits during this time, rather than just handing them the keys. These include:
Limit the amount of time they drive. Teen driving crashes and car accidents in general are more likely to occur on weekends and after dark.
Limit the amount of passengers in the vehicle. The more people that are with them, the more likely they are to be distracted. Having more than two or three passengers is simply not safe.
Limit the types of places they can drive. While they are still learning, it may be safest for them to stay off major highways and interstates. However, be aware that even country roads can create hazards, particularly for drivers who lack experience. Short trips to and from school or to a nearby friend’s house are best.
Limit driving privileges if they get a ticket. It is not uncommon for teenagers to test limits. If they do get a traffic citation, there need to be consequences. Consider revoking their driving privileges for a temporary period.
Let Us Help You Today
It’s important to know your teen driver’s risks so that you can better protect them. However, when teen driving accidents unfortunately occur, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC. helps you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken car accident attorney today.
