How to keep your teenage driver safe behind the wheel?
Photo by Anthony Fomin on Unsplash
According to data from the National Safety Council, half of all teenagers will be in an automobile accident before they graduate from high school. Teenagers often look forward to the day they may receive their driver’s license, but this does not guarantee that they will be responsible motorists. Building safe driving abilities takes time and effort, but what else can parents do to ensure their children are protected while behind the wheel? The following are some things parents can do to teach their teenagers safe driving practices.
Seat belts save lives
Seat belts minimize the risk of injury or death in a car crash. Teenagers are the least likely to use seat belts, which is extremely critical. Inability or refusal to buckle up could have grave consequences. Seat belts prevent car accident victims from bashing their faces onto the windshield. Throwing from the car is a leading cause of fatality in car accidents. Seat belts do more than safeguard passengers from being tossed around in a crash. These technologies allow motorists to stay seated if they lose control. This helps restore control and prevent accidents. Without seat belts, people can hurt themselves or the driver in a crash.
The use of mobile devices is prohibited
People can’t go five minutes without reading their phones or calling. Keeping your teens safe behind the wheel three at 65 mph on the road is risky. Teenagers are especially vulnerable because they’ve always had access to such devices, unlike their elders. Your teen should wait to text until they’ve arrived. Your adolescent will likely spend a lot of time in cars with pals. Teens without cars often do this. Teenage drivers are more likely to crash while riding with rowdy friends. Teens ought to be aware of this and drive carefully with friends.
Avoid driving at night
Teens have special challenges when driving at night. Drivers are more likely to make mistakes at night because they are sleepier. Not ideal for anyone but is especially hazardous for younger drivers who lack the experience to perform on autopilot. Your young driver’s safety is an increased concern when visibility is low, especially at night. Young drivers should avoid nighttime commutes whenever feasible.
Use driving-related app tracking
Even if your kid insists that they are not distracted while driving, there are tools available to help you monitor their behavior. Some programs keep tabs on the driver’s acceleration, velocity, and deceleration rate, while others silence incoming calls and texts until the final destination is reached.
Have an insurance cover
Suppose you or your adolescent driver has been hurt in an accident that was the fault of another driver. In that case, you may be able to seek financial compensation to assist you in dealing with the costs associated with the event. Consult your insurance claims adjuster as soon as you can to discuss your options. Working with insurance providers like Colby insurance can help you save money on unexpected hardships.
Practice
By allowing your kid to gain experience behind the wheel under your watchful eye, you may help shape him or her into a more responsible and cautious motorist. Make it a point to drive for at least a couple of hours a week on various roads and in varying traffic circumstances. Take advantage of the opportunity to instruct your teen on the basics of defensive driving. These measures include keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, adapting your driving style to the weather, and keeping your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary.
Reduce your rate of speeding
The risk of death in a car collision increases roughly three times for minors compared to adults for every mile traveled, and 31 percent of all traffic fatalities are related to speeding. Stress the serious dangers of driving too fast, and explain that saving a few minutes won’t be worth the risk of an accident.
Conclusion
According to the National Safety Council, 50 %of high school juniors and seniors will be involved in a car crash before they graduate. Unfortunately, teenagers are among the least likely age groups to wear safety belts. Teenagers are more likely to get into an accident riding with a group of noisy buddies. Using available technologies, it is possible to keep tabs on your teen’s driving habits. Take this time to teach your teen the fundamentals of defensive driving. Drive slowly and explain that the risk of an accident isn’t worth the few minutes you’ll save.