When it is time for your teen to “take to the road” on their own, you want to have confidence that they know what to do and how to remain safe. If you want this peace of mind, it is up to you to teach them the rules of the road, and other tips that will help them avoid being involved in an accident.
There is no question that it can be stressful to being teaching your teen to drive. You may get apprehensive, which only raises their level of nervousness. Here, you will find some helpful tips that will benefit both you and your young driver, while giving them the skills and confidence they need to take to the road on their own one day soon.
Turn the Cellphone Off and Put it Away
Six out of every 10 accidents that involve teens involve some type of distracted driving. While there are a myriad of things that can cause a distraction, at the top of the list is cellphones. Make sure your teen knows that it is imperative they turn their phone off and put it away in the glove box, or another secure location, until they arrive at their destination. It is a good idea to lead by example and do this each time you get behind the wheel, as well.
Always Respect the Speed Limit
Excessive speed is a factor in a large number of accidents, especially among teen drivers who may not understand how to intuitively “fee” what speed they are driving or who are still learning how to properly accelerate. When you are teaching your teen how to drive, be sure to make them aware when they have exceeded the speed limit so they will self-monitor when they are out on their own.
Have a No Tolerance Policy when it comes to Alcohol
Teen drivers are not as likely as adults to drink and get behind the wheel; however, they are affected much more significantly if they do. Make sure to emphasize that even a single drink can result in impairment and serious consequences.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
In order to safely avoid hazards and obstacles on the road, you should encourage your teen to maintain a safe following distance at all times. A good rule to teach is that for every 10 miles per hour of speed, there should be at least one car length between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
When you start out by teaching your teens the rules and how to avoid accidents, you will have the highest likelihood of helping them avoid being involved in an accident. If your teen is ever in an accident that is not their fault, contact a personal injury attorney to determine if you can recover compensation.
