According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities for teens.
When compared to all other drivers, sixteen year old teens have the largest number of accidents. The estimates economic impact of auto accidents involving 15 to 20 year old drivers is over $40 billion.
Teens are inexperience divers. They are more prone to speed and exhibit unsafe driving behavior. This puts teenage them and their passengers at risk. To reduce this risk, parents should discuss with their teen(s) how to stay safe in car.
How Do I Keep My Teen Safe Behind The Wheel?
Sign a driving contract or agreement with your teen:
Have your teen driver sign a contract agreeing to abide by driving safety rules that you, your teen and the state you live in (state laws and regulations) agreed upon. The contract should state that if the driver breaks any part of the agreement, the driver risks loosing driving privileges. The contract may include:
- statements about driving speeds, tickets,
- no drinking and driving,
- how many people are allowed in the car,
- how far he can take the car,
- who can drive the car when he/she has it,
- time restrictions on when the teen has access to the vehicle,
- cell phones? Yes? No? and,
- what the consequences will be for violations.
Due to the fact that driving licenses can be revoked for inappropriate driving behavior, driving is a privilege not a right- it can be taken away.
Set a good example:
Children, at an early age, watch their parents. The old “do as I say, not as I do” will not work with a teenager. If your child sees you following the rules of the road and being a courteous driver, there’s a better chance that your teen child will do the same.
Buckle up!
Remind your teen that wearing a seatbelt is the law. All passengers must wear a seatbelt before the car is put in drive.
Passenger limit law:
Some states have a passenger limit law that limits the numbers of passengers that a teen can have in the car while they are behind the wheel without an adult. If you state does not have this law, but you want to implement this rule, you are a very wise parent!
Set a driving curfew:
Like the passenger limit law, some states have driving curfews for teens. Discuss this with your teen and set your own curfew that you feel is reasonable.
Teach your teen how to be responsible:
Teach your teen how to take care of the car by sharing proper car maintenance tips like getting the oil changed, keeping the windows and mirrors clean and removing trash from the car. More importantly, does your child know where the spare tire and car jack are located? Yes, someone needs to teach your teen how to change a flat tire. Share with your teen that “this is part of being responsible.”
