Got a Teen Driver? Check Out These Tips to Help Keep Them Safe

It seems like only yesterday you were up all hours doing night feeds with your baby and now you’re up all night worrying about where they are! Even as our kids get older, we never stop fretting about them, and when they pass their driving test and gain their own independence, our anxiety goes through the roof.

What if they make a mistake? Get lost? Breakdown on a dark country lane? Drive too fast? What if they crash? If they’ve been in an accident that wasn’t their fault, call a personal injury attorney Savannah. 

It’s difficult to quell the feeling of dread every time you go to bed and they’re still not back yet…but as a parent, we must allow our children to exercise their freedoms and encourage them to rely on themselves – no matter how hard it might be!

One way to alleviate your stress and worry is to sit down with your teen and talk about road safety. Here we’ll examine some simple, yet effective driving tips you should discuss with your teen. 

Don’t become a taxi driver

If they’re the first one in their friendship group to pass their test, chances are they’ll be happy to transport the group from A to B without issue. However, they need to be wary of simply becoming a taxi driver for their friends to call on whenever they like. Driving everyone around all the time is going to be put a strain on their friendships and on their wallets too – their fuel costs will skyrocket!  

Don’t give in to peer pressure

Can’t you drive any faster? Overtake that car in front! I bet you can beat that red light! Sound familiar? Peer pressure is a dangerous thing, especially when they’re behind the wheel. Let them know that it’s not OK to feel pressured by so-called friends, and if they don’t like the way they drive or continue to put them under pressure, then they shouldn’t have them in their car anymore. 

Don’t drive distracted 

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It’s easy to stay focused behind the wheel when you have a driving instructor next to you, but when driving independently, it’s easy for their attention to wane. Make sure they’re keeping their smartphone out of reach, that their music isn’t too loud and that their friends aren’t being too distracting.

Always wear a seatbelt 

Sadly, many drivers still neglect to wear a seatbelt. Sometimes drivers forget, or they believe that because it’s a short journey, they don’t need to. Make sure your teen is aware that in the event of a car crash, their seatbelt will prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle, will prevent contact with the steering wheel or dashboard and will keep them in the correct position for airbag deployment.

Finally, slow down!

Most car accidents occur within 5 miles of home. Drivers pay less attention and speed up because they’re overly familiar with the roads. Ask your teen to always keep to the speed limit!