For many parents, the idea of their teen driver out on the road without them is terrifying. No matter how much you may trust your teen, they simply do not have the same level of skill and maturity that most adults do. Teen drivers are more likely to die in car accidents, due partially to the fact that they are more likely to speed, they get distracted easily, and they do not always wear their seatbelts.
That said, there are steps you can take to help your teen driver be at a lower risk of a car accident. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if your teen has been involved in a car accident.
- Understand the Graduated Driver Licensing System Every state has a three-stage graduated driver licensing (GDL) system that is designed to lower the risk of teen drivers getting into accidents. According to one study, this can reduce the chance of a teen crashing by as much as 50%. Get familiar with the GDL laws in your state. Use the opportunity to restrict who is driving with them, prohibit them from using electronics, and requiring them to use their seatbelt at all times.
- Have an Open Conversation with Your Teen About Drinking and Driving Do not assume that your teen would never drink and drive. Remind them that if they are under the age of 21, they cannot legally drive if they have had anything to drink at all. While a 21+-year-old can drink if their BAC is under 0.08, teen drivers can be arrested for any BAC above 0.00. This can result in losing their license, paying big fines, and even jail time.
- Model Good Behavior It can be difficult to remember that your teen is always paying attention to what you are doing. They are learning how to drive every time they get into a vehicle with you. Drive safely. Tell your teen why you are driving the way you are. Start teaching them verbally but remember that every time you turn on a turn signal, you are teaching them to do so the same.
- Do Not Put All the Pressure on Driver’s Education Classes Do not fall into the trap of assuming that they will learn everything they need to learn in a driver’s education class. They may learn the rules, but it will not take the place of a lot of practice. Let your teen practice driving as soon as they are licensed to do so.
You should also tell your teen what to do if they are involved in an accident, including calling for medical help, gathering information, and talking to a personal injury attorney.
