Being a parent of a teen who is learning to drive or has recently received a driver’s license, can be nerve-racking, to say the least. We want our children to be autonomous as they find their way, but we also recognize that they need rules and procedures to keep them safe on the road.
So, what can parents of teen drivers do to ensure their children remain safe behind the wheel? We asked parents here at Grungo Law for their tips to keep teenage drivers safe while on the roads and prevent accidents.
Ground Rules for Teen Drivers
State laws vary by state, but most states have rules for when teens are allowed to drive and who may accompany them in the vehicle. When a teenager gets their driver’s license, a parent may want to add additional rules. It is important to discuss these rules and communicate them to your child both before and after they begin driving. Setting rules for acceptable driving hours and routes can help keep your child safe behind the wheel, especially as a new driver.
Cell Phones
Cell phones can be a deadly and potentially illegal distraction while driving. However, teens need to use GPS to get where they are going, so what should a parent do?
If your teen’s car does not have GPS built-in, make sure there is a cell phone mount so your teen can view GPS without looking down. Your teen should also use the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. This will prevent your teen from receiving distracting messages while driving.
Explain to your teen that every message can wait until they are at their destination and no message is so important that it should be read while driving.
Reckless and Fast Driving
Teens are notorious for their need for speed. But driving recklessly can lead to accidents, and the faster a car is going the worse the damage. Not only could your teen face life-altering injuries, but if they are reckless, they could injure others, which could lead to even worse consequences.
Teens need to know that driving fast only shaves seconds or a couple of minutes off the time they will arrive at their destination. That little bit of time saved time is not worth the risk of life-altering consequences.
Give Space
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We see it all the time. A driver rides the bumper of a driver they think is going too slow. Or a driver weaving in and out of lanes only to gain a small position ahead on the highway. These maneuvers can go terribly wrong. Teen drivers need to learn to give everyone space. Allowing for mistakes or the unexpected by other drivers or themselves will help your teen arrive safe to their destinations.
If We Can Help, We Will
At Grungo Law, we, unfortunately, see the tragic results of careless drivers. By discussing these items with your teen, hopefully, we can help them avoid the consequences of a bad car accident and all that it leads to.
If you have a new teen driver and want some safety tips, reach out to us anytime. We would rather our contact be preventative than out of necessity. If we can help, we will.
Call or text (856) 528-4494 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form