Parents experience several milestones as their children grow up, including watching them learn how to drive. Each milestone creates a new memory that etches itself into the mind.
For example, some parents remember when their children took their first steps. Others recall them speaking their first words.
Then, children grow into their own as toddlers, kids, and teenagers before becoming young adults. And parents’ jobs become preparing them for adulthood.
People face dangers as they grow up. Rambunctious children can end up in the emergency room and require stitches or casts. Others must learn the way of the world to make accurate judgments about risks.
The risks of driving and teenagers have real consequences, including death.
Teenage Driving Risks
In 2020, the economy halted, significantly reducing traffic on highways and roads. Nonetheless, driving still claimed 2,738 teenage lives.
Moreover, the data continually shows that individuals in the 13 to 19 age bracket drive less than others. However, statistically, teenagers account for the highest number of collisions, injuries, and deaths.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention data shows that 227,000 teenagers experienced a driving injury in 2020.
The good news is that most driving accidents involving teenagers are preventable.
Here’s how to prevent your teen from getting into a car accident.
Set the Example
Children of all ages watch what their parents do daily; most parents don’t realize it. Parents set an example for their children, and as they become older, they turn them into habits.
It also behooves parents to walk the walk and talk the talk. Otherwise, teenagers will call out parents who say one thing and do another.
If your teen does become involved in a car accident, call the professionals at Avian Law Group to obtain advice and legal representation.
Discuss the Statistics with Them
Most individuals experience rough patches during their teen years. Plus, they hear lectures at school from teachers and their parents at home.
Teenagers spend this time finding themselves and might rebel against the information that is helpful for them.
Nonetheless, parents benefit from discussing teen driving statistics with them, such as:
- 56% of teenager driving-related deaths occurred while another teenager drove the car
- The death rate is higher among male teenagers than among females
- Crash risk is highest among newly licensed teenagers
- Distracted driving is among the leading causes of collisions among teenagers
Entering 2023, societal sensitivities have changed. However, teenagers must still learn the realities of the world they will join.
Enroll them in Driving Courses
Some high schools still provide driver’s ed courses as part of the curriculum. Then, parents supplement them with professional driving courses.
In other situations, parents teach their teenagers to drive from start to finish.
Ideally, teens will learn about driving at school and how to drive from professionals. Then, parents make themselves available for practice. However, work within your circumstances for your teen.
The Baby Boomer and Gen X generations watched films depicting the aftermath of collisions, which often scared them into responsible driving. Therefore, find a way to teach them that driving is a privilege and responsibility.
Limit their Driving Time
It only takes a second to go from driving on the road to becoming part of a collision.
The CDC has found that the following factors put teen drivers at risk:
- Inexperience
- Nighttime and weekend driving
- Neglecting to use seat belts
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol and drug consumption
Therefore, parents must limit the amount of driving for newly minted teen drivers and balance it with them obtaining enough practice.
Limit the Number of Passengers
Distracted driving remains perilous for all drivers. After all, adults still text and drive. Since half of teenage accidents involve a teenage driver, parents should limit the number of passengers their teen can transport and their age.
Although fewer teens are applying for driver’s licenses, obtaining one is still an exciting milestone for most, and many look forward to sharing it with their friends.
Parents should limit the sharing until their kids pick up more driving experience.
Teach Them to Maintain their Vehicles
People take things more seriously when they make connections to them and carry responsibility.
Assign your teen with car maintenance responsibilities, such as keeping it clean and tracking when it’s due for service, even if the vehicle is not in their name.
Conduct Wellness Checks
Schedule drive time with your teenage driver and have them sit behind the wheel. For example, go out to lunch and have them drive to check in on their progress.
Make mental notes of habits they can improve and discuss your findings with them.
Conclusion
It’s possible to prevent many teen driving collision injuries and deaths. Parents must actively ensure their teenagers develop the right skills, knowledge, and habits.
