When a teenager is old enough to drive on their own, their parents often have mixed feelings. It can free up the parent from being in charge for getting their teen to and from all of their activities. It can make a parent proud of their child’s accomplishments. Unfortunately, it can also make parents feel scared and nervous.
There is good reason for this – teens are much more likely to be involved in car accidents than adults. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that teens have less experience and their risk tolerance is generally higher. As a parent, it is important to make sure that your child is aware of the rules they must follow to stay safe in their car.
Send Your Teen to Driving School
One of the best things you can do for your teen is to send them to driving school. Their high school may have one, but you can likely find a private company if they do not. You may believe that you can teach them just fine, but remember that your teen may be more likely to take a professional to heart. They can learn with their peers and feel more independent than if their mom or dad is taking them.
Talk to Your Child About Your Own Experiences Driving
Sharing stories about your own early years driving can have an impact too. You can tell them about issues you had learning to drive, mistakes you made, and what they cost you. You may share stories of near-misses, or stories of accidents. You could tell them about losing your driving privileges for not parking correctly. Whatever the situation, if you let them know that you remember what it was like to be a new driver, they may be more likely to listen to what you have to say.
Do Not Allow Them to Use Their Cell Phones While They Drive
One of the leading cause of serious car accidents is teenagers using cell phones while they drive. This is always dangerous and your teen should know that they are not allowed to text and drive or talk on the phone and drive. Remember that for drivers under the age of 21, it is not legal for them to talk on the phone while they drive – even if they use a hands-free device.
Give Them the Numbers
Talk to your children about the number of teens that die each year in car accidents. Share the stories of teens who have been injured and their lives changed forever. If the worst does happen and your teen gets into an accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
