New drivers are among the most dangerous drivers on the road. Inexperience, distraction, and exceeding the speed limits are much more common among teen drivers learning to drive, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Making sure your child is aware of the main risk factors for motor vehicle crashes may help prevent accidents:
Inexperience is a major issue for new drivers. It helps to log as many hours of driving along with your teen as possible, pointing out and discussing various hazards they may not have considered. Navigating construction zones, giving wide berth to pedestrians (especially kids), and adapting to changing weather and road conditions are all valuable experiences they can pick up early on to prevent accidents in the future.
Among the top two distractions for teens in a car are texting while driving and having teen passengers along for the ride. Make it clear to your teen that texting or even talking on the phone is not safe and is not permissible. Have them limit the number of friends he or she can have in the car, explaining what can happen if they allow themselves to be distracted even for a split second. Share information including statistics, public service messages, and stories in the news about the dangers of distracted driving so they understand how easily things can go wrong if they take their eyes off the road.
Speeding is a major risk factor for teens who sometimes don’t realize they are exceeding speed limit. While driving with teens, direct them to look for speed signs and evaluate real-time conditions – slick roads or the presence of children – and adjust accordingly. Help them understand that reducing speeds can give them more time to react in an accident, perhaps saving lives.
Parents are a kid’s first teacher, so it is important to work closely with them to make them the best driver possible in order to prevent property damage, injuries and fatalities. If you are injured in a car accident contact the Davenport car accident lawyers of McDonald Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance today at 563-355-6478.