• Teenage Drivers and Auto Accidents: How Parents Can Help Young Drivers

    Teenage Drivers and Auto Accidents: How Parents Can Help Young Drivers

    As a parent, there are few things more stressful than handing the keys over to teenage drivers. Even if you are confident that your child is ready, it is still unnerving. You have good reason to feel some apprehension. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a serious accident per vehicle mile traveled.

     

    At the same time, there are steps you can take to dramatically reduce the risks. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasizes that “parents can be the biggest influencers on teens’ choices behind the wheel.” In this article, our Fairfax car accident attorney highlights some strategies that parents can use to help their teenagers become better and safer drivers.

     

    Six Tips to Make Your Teenager a Safe Driver

     

    1. Set a Good Example in Your Own Driving

     

    Highway safety officials stress that parents should prioritize personal safe driving habits. In many ways, teenagers model the behavior of the adults in their life. If you are speeding, driving in an aggressive manner, or using your cell phone while behind the wheel, it is going to be far more challenging to get your teenager to drive safely.

     

    1. Practice, Practice, Practice

     

    One of the primary reasons why teen drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident is inexperience. Young drivers need an opportunity to practice under safe, controlled conditions. At the very beginning, practice may occur in an empty parking lot. As time goes on, teen drivers should get some real-world, supervised practice time when road conditions are favorable.

     

    1. Keep an Open Line of Communication

     

    Your teen should feel like they can talk to you about driving. Ideally, they will come directly to you with any questions or concerns about safe driving. By keeping an open line of communication between you and your young driver, you can create a collaborative atmosphere.

     

    1. Enforce Virginia’s Teen Driving Restrictions

     

    A teenager who gets their driver’s license is not “free” to do whatever they want. As explained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Commonwealth has strict teen driver restrictions in place. For drivers under the age of 18, Virginia law limits overnight driving and restricts the number of passengers in the vehicle.

     

    1. Emphasize the Dangers of Distracted Driving

     

    Distracted driving is a serious safety concern—and teen drivers are especially susceptible to distractions. As a parent, you should highlight the dangers and risks associated with distracted driving, especially texting and driving. Make sure your teenager understands that there will be severe consequences if they drive while distracted.

     

    1. Take the Keys If Your Teen Does Not Follow the Rules

     

    Finally, parents should be prepared to take action if their teenager refuses to follow the necessary safe requirements. If it is your car or if your child is still a minor (16 or 17), you can and should take away the keys. Driving is a privilege not a right. Teenagers need to prove that they can do it without putting themselves, their friends, and innocent people in danger.

     

    Call Our Fairfax, VA Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

     

    At Leary Law, P.C., our Virginia car accident attorney is an aggressive, justice-focused advocate for injured victims and their families. If you have questions about teenage drivers and accidents, we are more than ready to get started. Contact us now for a completely confidential case evaluation. With legal offices in Fairfax and Manassas, we represent car crash victims throughout Northern Virginia, including in Chantilly, Leesburg, Arlington, Annandale, Sterling, and Ashburn.

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