Here are the things you should teach your teen driver to minimize their risk of getting into a car accident while preparing them for that scenario.
Summary
- Teach your teen the dangers of speeding and emphasize strict obedience to speed limits.
- Regular vehicle maintenance is essential for safety. Show your teen how to check oil levels, tire pressure, and recognize warning signs to avoid mechanical breakdowns.
- Make distracted driving a non-negotiable topic. Encourage your teen to keep their eyes on the road, avoid phone use, and always be aware of their surroundings to minimize accident risks.
- Instill defensive driving habits, such as maintaining safe distances, using turn signals, and watching for blind spots. Caution them against aggressive behavior like tailgating or weaving through traffic.
- Prepare your teen for the steps to take after an accident. Teach them to stay calm, check for injuries, document the scene, exchange information with involved parties and stress the importance of contacting experienced car accident attorneys.
As a parent, one of the most nerve-wracking moments is when your teen driver is ready to hit the road for the first time. The thought of your child behind the wheel can be daunting, but there are several things you can teach your teen driver to help them become a safe and responsible driver.
If your teen is involved in an accident that’s not their fault, you may need to hire an ND car accident lawyer. The attorneys with Sand Law will be ready to work to help your family obtain full compensation. You can give us a call at (701) 609-1510 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Here are five essential things you should teach your teen driver:
1. Don’t Have a Lead Foot
One of the most important things to teach your teen driver is to avoid speeding. Young teen drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in car accidents. Excessive speed only increases that risk, especially for serious types of car accidents like head-on collisions and rollovers.
In addition to breaking the law, speeding can cause your teen driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to severe injury or a tragic fatality. The NHTSA statistics are alarming regarding speeding and teenage drivers.
According to one study, teenagers were involved in nearly 20,000 accidents related to speeding. Research shows teen drivers tend to speed more as they gain confidence behind the wheel. Make sure your teen understands that speeding isn’t worth the risk.
Please encourage them to obey speed limits and to adjust their speed based on road conditions, weather, and traffic. Emphasize the importance of leaving plenty of time to get to their destination so they don’t feel the need to rush.
2. The Importance of Maintenance
Another vital thing to teach your teen driver is the importance of vehicle maintenance. Most of the time, parents won’t be able to purchase their children a brand new car. Teens will have a vehicle that has accumulated quite a few years and miles, and they’ll need to pay attention to regular maintenance.
Proper maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and teen car accidents caused by mechanical failure. Teach your teen to regularly check the oil, tire pressure, and other fluids and get regular oil changes and tune-ups.
Beyond regular maintenance, make sure your teen understands how to recognize warning signs that something may be wrong with the vehicle. Teach them to listen for strange noises, feel for vibrations, and pay attention to warning lights on the dashboard. If they notice any problems, encourage them to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
3. Keep Their Eyes on the Road and Their Surroundings
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among young drivers. In 2020, distracted driving was a factor in 7% of fatal accidents involving drivers between the ages of 15-20. This was the largest percentage of any age group. An astounding 39% of high school-age drivers admitted they had sent a text or email while driving the previous month.
Teach your teen driver to always keep their eyes on the road and their surroundings. Discourage them from using their phone while driving. Additionally, teach them to avoid other distractions while driving like eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio.
Encourage your teen to be aware of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road. Teach them to scan their surroundings regularly and to anticipate potential hazards. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
Maintaining focus on the road can be challenging, even for the most experienced drivers. But if you can instill the importance of doing so when your child starts to drive, they can remain safe and sound for decades to come.
4. How to Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is an essential skill for any driver, but it’s essential for young drivers still developing their skills and experience. Teach your teen driver to be aware of their surroundings and to anticipate potential hazards.
Encourage them to practice defensive driving techniques such as maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals, checking their mirrors, and scanning their surroundings before proceeding to avoid intersection accidents.
Teach your teen to be cautious when entering and exiting highways and to be aware of blind spots. Encourage them to be patient and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic. Additionally, warn them about the risks of road rage incidents.
5. The Steps They Should Take if They’re Involved in an Accident
Finally, teaching your teen what to do if they’re involved in a collision, whether it is a minor fender bender or a more serious crash like a T-bone accident, is essential. Teach them to remain calm and check for injuries for themselves and any other parties involved.
Encourage them to call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or if there is significant damage to the vehicles. Teach your teen to exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, and insurance information.
Also, you should encourage them to take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage. Tell them to speak with witnesses and get their contact information, including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Reasons Why North Dakota Parents Choose Sand Law Teen Car Accident Lawyers
When a teen driver is involved in a car accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming and stressful. Sand Law’s experienced team of car accident attorneys is dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalized support to help families during these challenging times.
Our Expertise in Teen Driver Accidents
Teen driver accidents often involve unique factors, such as inexperience or potential insurance complications. Sand Law attorneys have a deep understanding of these situations and know how to build strong cases that address the specific challenges of accidents involving teen drivers.
Access to Personalized Legal Strategies
No two cases are alike, and Sand Law recognizes the importance of tailored legal solutions. Our attorneys take the time to understand the details of your situation, crafting a strategy that best fits your needs and goals.
Sand Law’s Strong Track Record of Success
The attorneys at Sand Law have a proven history of securing fair settlements and verdicts for their clients. Their extensive experience ensures they know how to handle even the most complex cases, giving families peace of mind.
Our Knowledge of North Dakota Laws
Navigating local laws can be tricky. Sand Law’s deep familiarity with North Dakota’s legal system gives us the edge in protecting your rights and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Our Firm Commitment to Client Support
From Williston to Fargo to Bismarck our personal injury attorneys genuinely care about their clients. We will provide consistent communication and answer your questions in a timely manner. Our team is dedicated to easing your worries and guiding you every step of the way.
Contact Sand Law if Your Teen Driver is Involved in a Car Accident
Unfortunately, even with the best preparation, accidents can still occur. If your teen driver is involved in a car accident, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Sand Law has a team of experienced personal injury attorneys serving Fargo, Williston, Minot, and other ND cities.
We can help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. With our knowledge and experience, you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands. Our skilled lawyers have a long track record of helping clients get the money they had coming to them.
We’re ready to put that experience to work on your behalf.
When you choose us, we’ll immediately investigate the car accident. Not only will this investigation help us learn exactly how the wreck occurred, but it will also show us who was to blame. Once we have that information, we can pursue compensation from any parties that contributed to the collision.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help, or you’d like to schedule a free evaluation of your case, please call Sand Law at (701) 609-1510 or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compensation can I expect from a teen car accident claim?
You may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future care costs. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your teen’s car accident.
For example, car accident claims involving catastrophic injuries tend to be worth more than cases with minor injuries. Sand Law works to ensure you receive a fair settlement based on the unique details of your case.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in North Dakota on behalf of my teen driver?
North Dakota typically enforces a six-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, starting from the date of the accident. However, exceptions do apply in some cases. It’s crucial to act quickly to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. Sand Law auto crash lawyers in North Dakota can help you meet all deadlines and avoid delays.
What if the other driver who caused the wreck is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, Sand Law can help explore other options. These may include filing a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing other avenues for compensation. Our North Dakota car accident attorneys guide you through this complex process to achieve the best outcome possible.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Many car accident cases are resolved through settlements without going to trial. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, Sand Law is prepared to represent you in court. Our team fights diligently for your rights, whether negotiating or litigating, to pursue the best possible result for your case.