For any parent, there are few milestones more nerve-wracking than when our teenagers earn their driver’s licenses. It’s a huge step towards independence, and it comes with a significant increase in responsibility. While we can’t be in the passenger seat at all times like we may wish, there are effective strategies we can all use to help our teens to remember to stay safe on the road.
Proper Education
The first step in ensuring your teen’s safety behind the wheel is proper education. Enroll your teen in a reputable driver’s education course. These courses go beyond teaching the basics of driving – they emphasize safe driving habits and the serious consequences of negligence on the road.
It’s also crucial to educate teens about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the severe repercussions that can follow them for the rest of their lives. Make sure your teen knows that it’s always preferrable to call you for a ride if they have been drinking.
Setting Ground Rules
Establish clear, non-negotiable rules for driving. These might include no use of their cell phone while driving, no extra teen passengers for the first few months, a curfew, and mandatory seatbelt use for everyone in the vehicle. Consider creating a written agreement between you and your teen to formalize these rules.
Technology can be a helpful ally. You can utilize apps that can monitor their speed and location, and that can give you important insights into their driving habits.
What If an Accident Happens?
Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. It’s crucial for your teen to know the immediate steps to take after an accident, such as checking for injuries, moving to a safe location, calling the police, and exchanging insurance information with the other driver – all without admitting fault or saying anything that can ruin their chances of obtaining compensation for the accident.
In the unfortunate event that your teen is involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to call an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process of dealing with insurance claims and any negotiations or legal proceedings that may arise.
Driving is a skill that improves with practice and patience. Continue to provide opportunities for your teen to drive under various conditions, and gradually introduce them to more complex driving situations as their skills improve. In time, your teen will become a confident and safe driver who knows how to handle himself or herself even if an accident occurs.