Car accidents are recently found to be the leading cause of death and injury among teenagers, so teens need to be prepared for the possibility of being in one. According to recent findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-third of all teen deaths in the United States are caused by car accidents.
Also, teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents because they don’t have much experience driving. They tend to do risky things like speed and go while distracted and are easily influenced by their peers.
By getting teens ready for the eventuality of a car accident, parents and other adults can help them understand the risks of teen driving, learn how to be safe behind the wheel, and know what to do in case of an accident. This can make accidents less likely and make injuries less severe if they do happen.
Some Steps To Prepare Teens For Car Accident Possibilities
Teach Them How To Observe Safe Driving
Speed and overspeeding are the hardest to prevent for new drivers, especially young ones. The best way, probably, is to teach them how to drive securely and safely. Teach your teen to always wear a seatbelt and follow traffic laws. Some jurisdictions ask for high penalties for not wearing a seatbelt.
Remind them to stay focused and alert on the road. Avoid texting or talking to the phone while driving, and it’s much better to avoid connecting to the internet every time they drive.
Often, parents thought it enough to have enrolled their young adults in driving schools to learn the basics, but when accidents happen, it’s the only time they ask what went wrong. No matter how advanced the driving course, young drivers tend to show recklessness when on the road.
It’s why when road mishaps occur, knowing when to consult a car accident lawyer should also be taught to your teens. The knowledge may not keep them from an accident. Still, it’ll be helpful when they need to be legally protected right after an incident.
Let Them Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is a technique best taught to new drivers before starting out independently. It usually involves watching out for potential road hazards and taking the initiative to avoid them as much as possible. Its goal is to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure your loved one’s safety on the road.
Teach your teens to try to guess what other drivers will do and be ready to act defensively if they need to. This includes looking at the car tire ahead for possible turns without a signal. It’s also advisable to leave reasonable space between cars so they can be ready to stop or turn if needed.
Consider signing your teen up for a defensive driving course. It’s where they can learn essential skills and ways to avoid accidents and stay safe on the road.
Talk About The Advantage Of Car Insurance
Driving means financial responsibility for a teenager. They must understand car insurance and how it can protect them financially should they get involved in an accident. Ensure that they have coverage worthy of their premiums. While there are insurers that offer “no fault” coverages like in New York, such is not mandatory.
But almost all states require car insurance, no matter the coverage, along with your car registration documents. Your youngster must understand that in case of an accident, they could face legal and financial penalties without insurance coverage.
You can help your teen select car insurance by introducing some options. They also have to understand that their driving record affects car insurance premiums. Discussing car insurance with your teen can reinforce safe driving and discourage risky driving. It can also open their eyes to financial responsibilities and help them set financial goals.
Moreover, discussing car insurance with your young drivers will help them understand the legal, financial, and safety implications of driving. It will also prepare them for lifelong responsible driving.
The Bottom Line
The earlier you start teaching them about driving, the better for your teens. Some parents may avoid teaching their youngsters to drive for fear of getting them involved in an accident. But mind you, they might learn it from somewhere else.
You’ll be sorry to learn later that they’ve ventured towards the highway without knowing the much-needed precautions and met a mishap.
Before that happens, teach them yourself. Your care and concern will be the vital ingredients to help them prepare for the possibility of a vehicular accident. Scan through the links, and you’ll find more insights about teaching and training your teens about driving and maintaining safety on the road.