Teach Your Teen: Tips for Safe Driving

Many teenagers cannot wait until the day they earn their driver’s license. It’s one step toward independence and freedom, but not many parents can say they share the same excitement.

Teen drivers are more prone to distractions, speeding, and other mistakes that cause severe traffic accidents. In 2017, over 3,000 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes. As a parent, you can help lower this statistic and help your child get home safe by instilling safe driving practices in your teen.

Practice Makes Perfect

Inexperience is one of the leading causes of car crashes among young drivers. Although most states require a set amount of behind-the-wheel driver’s training, we recommend supervising your teen’s driving for at least six months. Your teen may not be to keen on it, but your advice could be invaluable at developing their control over their vehicle and reducing the risk of an accident.

Be a Good Role Model

Most parents understand how quickly their children pick up habits. It’s most noticeable when you accidentally blurt out a curse word and your young one starts shouting it out in a crowded place.

That is why it’s imperative that you lead by example, especially as a driver. If your teen sees you texting and driving, not wearing your seatbelt, and going over the speed limit, they are more likely to do the same.

Limit Unsafe Driving Conditions

If your teen has not gotten enough experience, they may not have the knowledge or skills required to drive at night time or through dangerous weather. Consider signing them up for a driving school where they go over techniques to face those challenges.

Set Rules and Expectations

It may be hard to discipline your child, but when their safety is on the line, it’s necessary. Outline what you expect from their driving. Make sure your plan includes driving times, distances, and passengers, then enforce those rules.

Reliable Legal Help for Car Accidents in Newport Beach

We understand that even the most effective safety training won’t always protect your teen from a car accident, especially when a reckless or negligent driver is involved. If you or your teen has been injured in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice.

Call the Newport Beach car accident attorneys at Manning Law, APC at (800) 783-5006 to schedule your free consultation today!