What You Can Do to Protect Your Teen Driver
If you’re the parent of a teen driver, there are steps you can take to help protect them. And while teen drivers may not think they need protection, they do. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Board, traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 18. In 2017, 755 teens died in traffic accidents, and 2,038 teens were involved in crashes where someone was killed. Sobering statistics, for sure. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of injury to your teen.
Before your teen takes the car, ensure that he or she know the rules of the road. What are the rules of the road? They can be found in the Vehicle and Traffic Law, available here.
Below are some additional pointers that can help reduce the risk of injury to your teen.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts should be worn at all times. Not only do they protect you, but they’re the law. Many people killed in accidents involving teen drivers were not wearing seatbelts. It’s a must.
No Drinking or Drugs
It may sound obvious, but it’s still worth telling your teen that it’s illegal to drink before the age of 21, and illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at any age.
According to statistics, one out of five teens involved in a fatal accident were under the influence in 2017.
Distracted Driving
While teens and phones may seem inseparable, texting or using the phone in a car is dangerous and against the law. Phones are not the only way a teen can become distracted. Food, drinks, makeup, fixing hair are just some of the ways in which a teen driver can become distracted. Operating a car requires total concentration. When a teenager gets their license, they may want to pick up their friends and cruise around, but vehicle occupants should never become a distraction.
The “do not disturb” function on some cellular phones is one way to limit the possibility of distractions while driving.
Speeding
Speed limits must be obeyed by teen drivers, as not doing so can lead to problems. Exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction time, and puts other motorists at risk. Teens who speed run the risk of being involved in or creating a serious accident.
You may be one of the biggest influence on your teen’s driving behaviors, so act accordingly. Are you using your phone while you’re driving? Are you speeding? Are you setting a good example? Take stock of your driving habits, and set the same standards for yourself.
Hurt In A Car? Call William Mattar.
At William Mattar law offices, our car accident lawyers can help you after your car accident. If you sustained personal injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our car accident lawyers to file a claim today at 844-444-4444.