Safety tips for teen drivers

The big day has arrived, and your teenager has their driver’s license! It’s an exciting time for the new driver and a nerve-racking time for the parents of the new driver. Yes, they need to get driving experience, but they also need to do it in a way that’s safe.

Here are some tips that will help the process:

1. Seat belts! Teen drivers are the least likely to wear their seatbelts. It is imperative that they do. According to the CDC, wearing a seatbelt can prevent serious injury in a motor vehicle accident by 50%. Buckle up for safety!
2. Limit nighttime driving as well as driving on the weekends. Nighttime driving reduces a clear vision of the road and any obstacles in the road. Additionally, other drivers might be tired or even intoxicated while sharing the road with your new driver. The same holds true for driving on the weekends. If your teen driver must drive during the weekends and/or at night, make sure they are familiar with the area and they know where they are going.
3. Keep distractions to a minimum. Everyone knows the dangers of texting and driving but it is not common knowledge that one of the most common causes of car accidents is general distraction which is something as simple as changing the station on the radio or even taking a sip of a coffee. Staying focused on the road and being mindful of the cars around your car will eliminate many distractions.
4. Driving in the rain can be treacherous for even the most experienced driver so consider keeping your teen off the road when it’s raining. Even a light rain can cause roads to be unexpectedly slick and dangerous.
5. A car full of teenagers in the definition of distraction. While your teen driver gets some experience under their belt, it’s important to keep passengers to a minimum. Teenagers are generally an excited group of people and a car full of them will undoubtedly be a fun time for them, but it could also lead to big distractions and unsafe situations. It’s much more fun to pay attention to one’s friends than it is to focus on the road and the focus should always be on the road.

These are a few general tips to keep teen drivers safe and accident-free. Should your teen driver get into an accident, give us a call. We specialize in personal injury claims and we would love to help you navigate the process.

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