No parent wants to hear it but it remains true none the less: Teen drivers are at a much higher risk of being killed in a fatal car accident compared to the average driver. It is important that you, as a parent, knows why this is true and how to keep your teen as safe as possible on the road. Keep reading to get the facts and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
The Most Common Reasons Teenagers Are More Dangerous Drivers Than Older Drivers
First and foremost, remember that teen drivers simply do not have as much experience driving. As is true of most anything, the more experience a person has, the more likely they are to be able to handle any emergencies that come up. Teens are also less mature, do not have the necessary skills, and are more likely to take part in risky behaviors such as speeding.
Finally, consider that teens are more likely to be distracted than older drivers. While you might assume that the main reason is due to being distracted by social media, the truth is that just having a friend in the vehicle with them can significantly increase your child’s chances of being involved in a car accident.
Set Rules for Your Teens
You must determine what restrictions are appropriate to place on your teen’s driving. For example, you might tell them that they cannot drive at night, that they cannot have passengers, that their phone must be in the trunk while they are driving, or that certain safety devices must always be used. It is up to you to first decide what rules are best and to then make sure that you clearly communicate to your teen exactly what you expect from them.
Talk to Your Teen about Drunk and Impaired Driving
Too often, parents take it for granted that their teen driver either does not drink or at least knows how dangerous it can be to drink and drive. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many teens do not know that if they are not yet 21, having any alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge. Why? Because teens generally have a lower tolerance to alcohol and are less safe overall.
The courts have determined that the only amount of alcohol a teen should have before driving is zero alcohol. Tell your child that they not only face an increased chance of accident but criminal charges that could impact the rest of their lives.
Of course, there is nothing you can do to prevent 100% of car accidents. If your child is injured in an accident, make sure you talk to a personal injury attorney to find out what your legal options are. You can do so by reaching out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
