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. In this article, you’ll learn five essential things you should teach your teen driver.
If your teen is involved in an accident that’s not their fault, 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.
Don’t Have a Lead Foot
One of the most important things to teach your teen driver is to avoid speeding. Young drivers are at a higher risk of accidents; excessive speed only increases that risk. 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 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 teens 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.
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 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.
In addition to 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.
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 always to keep their eyes on the road and their surroundings. Discourage them from using their phone while driving, and teach them to avoid other distractions 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.
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 to be aware of their surroundings and to anticipate potential hazards. Encourage them to practice defensive driving techniques like maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals, and scanning intersections before proceeding.
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.
Steps They Should Take if They’re Involved in an Accident
Finally, teaching your teen what to do if they’re involved in an 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. 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.
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 attorneys who 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 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.