How to Help Your Teen Become a Safe Driver

Getting a driver’s license is an important milestone in most teenager’s lives. This may be a rite of passage for most teenagers, but it could also create concern among parents worried about their child’s safety. Teen driving car accident statistics show that the first months after a teenager has obtained a driver’s license are the most dangerous. For example, in Georgia, about 12% of all fatal crashes involved a young driver. Their inexperience and lack of judgment are just some of the reasons why teenagers are more likely to get into an accident. Talk to your child about safe driving techniques and why it’s important to follow road rules to prevent a car crash.

Provide Extra Practice Behind the Wheel

Statistics show that one of the reasons why teenagers are most likely to be involved in a car accident is their inexperience. Avoid an accident by giving your teenager extra practice behind the wheel. Even if they already feel comfortable driving, there’s no harm in having them practice for more hours before they drive unaccompanied or before they apply for a driver’s license. Make sure they are comfortable driving in different weather scenarios such as rain, fog, snow, and windy conditions. Teach them what safety precautions they should take for each of these situations, and when it’s best to pull over or avoid driving. Allow them extra time to practice driving at night and in different traffic situations. Making sure your child knows how to act in common weather and traffic situations and having enough experience handling these situations will not only give you peace of mind as a parent, but they will be better prepared for driving on their own and avoid an accident.

Set a Good Example

Children and teenagers of all ages learn most by example, set a good example for your teenager by following road rules, especially when they’re present in the car. Don’t speed or weave in and out of traffic, don’t drive distracted like talking on the phone or texting. Avoid engaging in road rage when and make sure you and all passengers are always wearing their seatbelts. Setting the right example for your child is important as they will probably follow it and be used to driving safely just like their parents do.

Discuss Drinking and Driving

Discuss with your teen not only the dangers of drinking and driving but also the legal consequences if they are charged with an underage DUI. Most teenagers are aware of the risks of drinking and driving, which may be getting into an accident and suffering mild, serious, or fatal injuries. But maybe they are unaware of other consequences that could also have a significant impact on their lives. If they are charged with an underage DUI, they could serve up to 12 months of jail time. A DUI on their record could also affect college scholarship opportunities. Discuss every aspect and consequence that driving under the influence could have on their lives.

Avoid Distractions

Another important risk for teenagers is distractions while driving. These distractions include eating while driving, texting and driving, changing the music, talking on the phone, among others. Talk to your child about distractions and how they can cause an accident, even if their eyes are still on the road just a few seconds of driving distracted could cause an accident. Researchers state that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds makes it up to 24 times more likely to be in an accident. If they’re with friends in the car, consider implementing a maximum on how many friends can ride with them. Ask them to keep music at a low moderate volume and to avoid changing the radio or GPS while driving.