Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for most teenagers, but for parents, it can cause anxiety and worry, and rightfully so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Fortunately, many accidents caused by teenage drivers are preventable, and there are tested strategies for helping kids become safer drivers. To keep your child safe behind the wheel and avoid the need for a car accident attorney, teach your kids safe driving habits early.
Buckle Up
Above all, make sure your kids understand the importance of seat-belts. CDC statistics show that in 2016, 48% of teens aged 16 to 19 who died in car or truck crashes weren’t wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred. Research has shown that wearing a seatbelt can reduce deaths and serious crash-related injuries by as much as half.
Experience
A leading causes of motor vehicle accidents involving teenagers is driver inexperience. The CDC recommends that teens receive 30 to 50 hours of supervised driving experience over six months, practicing in a variety of weather and traffic conditions. Hire a professional driving school if you can’t teach your teen yourself.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Avoid having to call a car accident attorney for a teen who’s been driving while under the influence. Stress the importance of zero blood alcohol for your young driver. But while it’s important that your child refrains from underage drinking, it’s even more important that they don’t get behind the wheel if they’ve had a drink or two. Teens should always feel safe calling home for a ride.
Sign a Contract
Make sure you and your child are on the same page when it comes to motor vehicle safety. Set written guidelines to hang on the fridge with a Parent-Teen Driving Contract that you both sign.
Set an Example
Above all, minimize your risk of needing a car accident attorney by setting a good example for your teenager. Be a behind-the-wheel role model and help your teen learn to be a safer driver.
If your child has been in a car accident, whether it’s their fault or not, contact a car accident attorney at Robert J. Debry for help today!