6 Parenting Tips to Help Keep Teen Driver Safe.
If you’re the parent of a teen driver, it can be a nerve-wracking time. Obtaining a driver’s license is an important rite of passage, but it ushers in some very real dangers.
Illinois instituted a Graduated Driver Licensing Program starting in 2008, and it’s helped reduce teen driving deaths by 60%. Still, traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death among people age 15-20.
June is National Safety Month, which is designed to draw attention to dangers such as those on the roadways – a particular danger for teens.
The following National Safety Month tips can help you keep your teen driver safe:
Provide a Safe Car for Teen Driver
Choose a car that is easy to maneuver and isn’t likely to be involved in a rollover accident. Make sure it has a good safety rating and is equipped with airbags and good tires. As your teen continues to drive, help keep the car in good running condition.
Set a Good Example
If you drive aggressively, chances are good that your teen driver will, too. Use National Safety Month as a reminder to model good behavior.
Limit Passengers
Teens are more likely to be involved in an accident if they have friends in the car with them. They’re a distraction, and the risk increases with the addition of every passenger.
Enforce Rules
Make sure your teen understands that they won’t be able to drive if they speed, fail to wear a seat belt, drink alcohol, or text while they’re behind the wheel. Draw up a contract during National Safety Month to make sure your teen knows the rules.
Limit Nighttime Driving
Driving after dark is extremely dangerous for teens, according to a national study. Transportation industry professionals believe the combination of cell phone usage, inexperience, and fatigue results in the increased danger.
Consider a Monitoring Device
Several types of devices are available to help you monitor your teen’s driving during National Safety Month and beyond. They call attention to risky behaviors such as speeding or accelerating too quickly. Your insurer may even offer a discount if you use this type of device.
The legal team at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys hope these National Safety Month tips help keep you and your teen driver safe. If involved in an accident, contact us for a free consultation. We have two Chicago locations as well as others throughout the state of Illinois.
Our office hours range from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and we also answer our phones at 844-977-1900 24/7. You can reach us through our online form or our LiveChat service. So don’t wait! We look forward to hearing from you.