How To Help Your Teen Be A Safer Driver

If you or a loved one are ever involved in a car accident, it’s important to call on an experienced personal injury attorney in Denver. Not only will they help you understand your rights, but they’ll also be able to determine whether or not you may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. But of course, we all do everything we can to avoid accidents in the first place. However, with thousands of car accidents occurring every day in this country, this is a hazard you should be prepared for. 

Not only that, but if you’re a parent, it’s essential to also prepare your teen drivers for the risks of getting behind the wheel. Practicing safe and aware driving habits is essential to reduce the number of accidents on our roads and to keep your family safe. But how exactly can you help your teen become a safer driver? We’re here to help. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the importance of safe driving and offering some tips on how you can help your teen stay safe the next time they get behind the wheel. 

Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents

While each car crash is unique, there are many common factors that data reveals account for the majority of auto accidents. By understanding these common causes, we can better inform ourselves and our loved ones to keep our roads safer. In many ways, these common causes of auto accidents also reveal the common mistakes most drivers make behind the wheel.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving (this includes texting and driving, using your phone, looking at your GPS, playing with the radio, talking with a passenger, or simply daydreaming).
• Speeding.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Running red lights or stop signs.
• Failure to yield at an intersection or on-ramp.
• Aggressive driving.
• Fatigue.
• Adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, hail).
• Driving at night when visibility is limited.
• Vehicle defects.

How To Help Your Teen Be A Safer Driver

While any driver can be involved in an auto accident (even the safest ones), teen drivers account for a disproportionate amount of collisions on the road. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen drivers have a fatal crash rate almost three times higher than drivers aged 20 years or older. There’s no one reason why teens have a higher likelihood of being in a crash, but some important factors may be their lack of experience, the fact that they may easily be distracted, and risky behaviors. 

But there are many things you can do as a parent to help your teen become a safer driver. Consider these tips below:

1. Be Active In The Learning Process

while many schools have driver education courses, this may not always be enough for new drivers. Like any class in school, there’s always the temptation to not fully engage or get the most out of the lessons. After all, we all remember our high school days, right? Don’t rely entirely on a class or after-school program to teach your teen how to drive. Of course, these programs can be beneficial, but you should also play an active role in their training. Take your teen out to a big empty parking lot to learn the basics, and most importantly, to keep practicing even when they feel confident.

2. Limit Smartphone Use While Driving

In recent years, texting while driving has become one of the most common causes of car accidents for drivers of any age. But as we know, teens may find it especially difficult to put their phones away—even when they’re driving. Looking down for just a moment to reply to a text can significantly increase your chances of being in an accident. Don’t allow your teen to text while driving or even make a call, unless, of course, there’s an emergency. Some states don’t even allow you to talk on your phone while driving.

3. Limit The Number Of Passengers

One of the greatest thrills for a young driver is being able to drive your friends around. But as we know, a car full of friends can quickly become a distraction. As they learn to drive, limit the number of passengers they can have at one time so they can better focus on the road. Some parents only allow their teens to drive with close family members early on to ensure they can stay focused.

4. Talk About Driving Under The Influence

Even one alcoholic beverage can impair one’s ability to drive safely. Speak with your teen openly and honestly about the dangers of drunk driving. While teens shouldn’t be drinking in the first place, it’d be naïve to assume this never happens. Talk with your teen about alternate ways to get home if they were at a party and drinking.

5. Limit Night Driving

According to studies, teens are four times as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash at night compared to daylight hours. Unless there’s an emergency, try to limit their night driving hours. 

Conclusion – How To Help Your Teen Be A Safer Driver

No matter your age or experience, any driver can be involved in an auto accident. Even the safest and most aware drivers are at risk when they get behind the wheel. After all, even the safest drivers can’t totally predict the actions of others on the road. With thousands of motor vehicle accidents occurring every day in the United States, it’s essential that we practice safe driving habits—and that we pass those habits and lessons on to our family and friends.

With less experience, teen drivers account for a high percentage of car accidents. But there are ways you can work with your teen to keep them safer behind the wheel. Take an active role in their training, limit night driving and driving around with a lot of friends, and speak openly about the dangers of driving under the influence.