Seven Ways to Help Your Teen Avoid a Car Accident

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens age 15 to 20. When a teenager is driving other teens, their risk of being involved in a fatal car accident doubles. Each year, drivers under the age of 18 are involved in 900,000 car accidents. Why? Teens typically underestimate or are unable to recognize hazardous driving conditions. Drivers between the age of 16 and 17 are nearly nine times more likely to be in a car accident than middle-aged drivers. Forty percent of teen car accidents occur at night, usually before midnight.  These are scary statistics for parents of teen drivers. Here are seven ways to help your teen avoid a car accident.

Seven Ways to Help Your Teen Avoid a Car Accident

1. Practice

The more time your teenager practices driving the better decisions they’ll be able to make on the road. In fact, a new driver’s car accident risk is three times that of a driver with experience.

2. Set Rules

Teen drivers who have parents that are involved are twice as likely to wear a seat belt. Before your teen receives a driver’s license, you should set clear and specific rules that are fair. Discuss the details of their driving restrictions and agree on what is discussed. Clear communication will help everyone understand what is expected.

3. Create a Driving Contract You Both Agree To

After discussing your teen’s driving rules, create a driving agreement you both sign. You may want to also chart their progress, update the rules, and agree on car schedules. Then, keep the contract posted on an easily accessible place such as the refrigerator.

4. No Passengers Allowed

One of the main causes of car accidents are distractions. Other passengers, especially other teens, can be a huge distraction for new drivers. In fact, studies show each additional passenger in the car increases the likelihood of an accident.

5. No Distracted Driving (i.e. Texting) Ever

Eleven teens are killed everyday as a result of texting and driving. Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents, yet can be easily preventable. Take time to educate your teen about the dangers of texting and driving. You can also encourage them to take a pledge to never text and drive.

6. Take Driver’s Ed Seriously

Driver’s Ed is essential for every new driver. Knowing and understanding the laws and regulations of driving in your state will greatly help your teen to be a better driver and lower their risk of being involved in a car accident.

7. Consider Hiring a Driving Instructor

Along with driver’s ed, it is also a great idea to hire a professional driving instructor for your teen. A professional driving instructor has certified experience as well as other resources at their disposal that could greatly help your teen’s driving ability.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, semi truck accident or other personal injuries, contact the experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Parke Gordon Law Firm. Our law firm believes every client deserves fair representation against big insurance companies with deep pockets. Call the law office of Harvard law grad Mat Parke today for a free consultation. We can usually tell you over the phone if you have a good case. You pay nothing until we win your case. Call now!