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How to Keep Your Teen Safe Behind the Wheel of a Car

TeenDriver2

It’s tough being a new driver. Not only is your teen inexperienced, but he or she might face social pressure to take unnecessary risks behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, teens cause serious damage on Florida’s roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 2,400 teens aged 16-19 were killed in car accidents in 2016. That same year, almost 300,000 more teens received treatment in the emergency room.

If you have a new driver in the family, follow these tips for keeping them safe.

Model Responsible Driving

This one can be hard for parents, but it is true. Your children are paying attention to how you drive. In fact, how you drive becomes their baseline for what is “normal.” If a child sees Mom or Dad speeding, tailgating, cursing, and running red lights, then they will probably behave accordingly.

As a parent, model safe, responsible driving from the moment your children are old enough to pay attention. This won’t guarantee that your children will drive safely, but you won’t guarantee they are reckless drivers, either.

Have Regular Maintenance Performed on the Car

A car that has defective parts, like brakes that malfunction, only increases the risks of an accident. Make sure the car is regularly serviced and ask a mechanic look at anything that doesn’t feel right. A properly maintained car also should be cheaper to drive.

Show Zero Tolerance for Drugs and Alcohol

Many teens drink or smoke the occasional joint. Whatever you think about that behavior, we can all agree that driving while impaired is a serious problem. Have a conversation with your teenager about how they should avoid driving if they are going to do anything that will impair their judgment and reflexes.

For example, you can tell your children that if they are going to illegally drink, then they need to contact an Uber or taxi for a ride home.

Consider Locking Your Child’s Phone

Cell phones are a double-edged sword. For one thing, parents love that their children can call them directly in the event of an accident or other crisis. However, cell phones and smartphones are main causes of distracted driving.

Limit Driving with Friends

Teens like to show off, and your child could engage in risky behavior to impress a peer. For this reason, you should consider limiting who your child can have in the car at any one time. You might let them drive a sibling to school but not have friends with them.

Speak with an Experienced Delray Beach Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured by a teen driver, you might be able to receive compensation. Earnhart Law has become the go-to car accident firm in the area, and our Delray Beach car accident attorneys have countless satisfied clients to thank for it.

If you have a question, give us a call. You can reach us at 561-265-2220. We also offer a free consultation.

Resources:

cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html

trafficschoolcritics.com/top-smartphone-apps-keep-teen-safe-road/

https://www.delrayinjuryattorneys.com/make-work-zone-safety-a-priority/

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