Car accidents aren’t just physically devastating; they can also be financially and emotionally distressing and render life-long damages. Hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent disfigurement, prolonged physical therapy, and even wrongful death are just a few consequences that can result from a shattering car crash. This is why parents need to provide as much knowledge about driving and road safety in their teenagers so that they know how to stay safe when they’re behind the wheels.
But how do you do that? Well, why not start by teaching your teenage driver these three things that they should never do while driving?
No Speeding
Speeding can cause your teen to lose control and collide into trees, structures or other cars, jeopardizing not only their own safety but that of others as well. Teach your teen to always obey the speed limit so that they’re always more in control of their vehicle. Encourage your teen driver to stay clear of the “fast lane” on highways to avoid speeders and aggressive drivers.
No Tailgating
Tailgating is a form of aggressive driving that can cause serious accidents at high speeds and result in destructive fender-benders at lower speeds. Therefore, teach your teen to keep a safe distance between vehicles at all times.
Avoid Distractions
Teens have phones, music, mirrors and all sorts of other distractions with them in their vehicles. Be sure to teach your young man or woman that it’s unacceptable to text and drive or take their focus off the road for even a few seconds. Teach them that driving should be their top focus and only priority; not checking emails or social media, having a snack, or changing the radio station because accidents can happen in a matter of seconds.
In addition to the “don’ts”, these three “do’s” are just as important:
Always Signal
Turn signals and hazard lights aren’t optional. They’re vital to safe driving because they let other drivers and pedestrians know your intentions on the road. Accidents happen all the time because drivers fail to use their turn signals when changing lanes or turning into a parking lot. Be sure to teach your teen driver to always use their turn signals.
Always Avoid Aggressive Drivers
Examples of aggressive drivers are those who speed, tailgate, cut drivers off, switch lanes often, attempt to provoke other drivers by revving their engines, drive angry, or attempt to fuel a conflict. These kinds of drivers are incredibly dangerous, and teens need to know to stay away from them at all costs. If they see an aggressive driver, teach them not to react and to safely change lanes or pull over to get away from them.
Always Keep Your Interior Clean
This one may sound silly if you think that the inside of a car doesn’t really influence driving safety. Well, it does! Garbage can accumulate in a vehicle and potentially become a driving hazard. For instance, a loose water bottle can roll underneath the brake pedal and cause a driver to have a serious accident. Even dust and lint can cause safety issues if drivers have an allergic reaction, such as watery, itchy eyes or violent sneezing. A few sneezes can certainly jeopardize a driver’s alertness on the road.
Was Your Teen Negligently Hurt In A Car Accident? Contact Us to Request a Consultation
If your teenager was recently involved in a car accident that was no fault of their own, and they suffered injuries as a result, Contact Samples Ames PLLC today to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Dallas-Fort Worth car accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case.
