PARENTS CAN KEEP TEEN DRIVERS FROM BEING INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens, ages 15 to 20 years-old. Unfortunately, this fact is not new. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes account for 35% of all teenage deaths in the U.S. Motor vehicle crashes have been the leading cause of teenage deaths for some time. It goes without saying then, that safe driving for teens is an extremely important issue. Believe it or not, the one group of people who may be able to reverse the statistic mentioned above are parents. Yes, that's right, parents.
Parents have more influence over their child's decisions than they think. Therefore, parents need to get involved when it comes to their teenager's driving habits. Parents should make time for supervised driving lessons with their teens. Sharing important tips with a teenage driver can be very educational. This is true even after the driver graduates from his or her learner's permit to an actual driver's license. I know, I know, easier said than done. Teens don't always want to listen, especially to their parents. However, as a parent, you can't expect your child to learn everything they need to know in driver's education class. So, don't write it off; give it a try. It's important.
Parents should set rules for their teenage driver and enforce them. Insist on wearing seat belts at all times, and in the proper manner. Wearing a seat belt incorrectly can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Please insist that your child does not drink and drive, nor do any of their passengers. This one is obvious, but teens need to be reminded. Don't allow your teen to use his or her cell phone, or any other electronic device while driving. Parents should also consider limiting nighttime driving and the number of passengers that their teen is allowed to drive with. Extra passengers can be a real distraction.
Tell your teen about the dangers of driving. Let them know it is the leading cause of death among people in their age group. In 2008, 2,739 drivers between the ages of 15 to 20 were killed and 228,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. Remind them that they are not invincible and that a motor vehicle crash can happen to them, even if it is not their fault.
Know your state laws and make sure your teens know them too. Laws on seat belts, licensing, alcohol and the rules of the road were all passed by the state legislature with safety in mind. They are in place to keep you and your teen safe.
