John Price Law Blog

How to Protect Your Teen Driver

Although learning to drive is a rite of passage for American youth, symbolizing independence and mobility, it’s also incredibly dangerous. Teenagers have the highest death rates of any age group. On average, six teenagers die in automobile accidents every day, while 66% of teenagers killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts. However, with positive coaching, phone apps, and safer cars, teenagers can learn to drive responsibly and safely.

Parents

You are the best person to influence your teen’s driving habits. Although it may seem like your kids never listen to you, parents’ habits and attitudes play a major role in how their children drive. If you text or check your emails while driving, your kids are more likely to think they can get away with it too. Establish safe driving habits early on, such as buckling up, pulling off the road when you’re tired, and putting away phones. Never drink and drive: inebriated teens are three times more likely to get behind the wheel if they have observed the same behavior from their parents.

Apps

With an app on your phone, you can track your child’s location and their average speed. If you and your teen both have iPhones, the Find My Friends app will allow your teen to share his or her location with you. Other companies provide apps that will link with a GPS sensor to deliver your child’s immediate location. Consider downloading a app that can monitor the speed your child is driving. Some insurance companies will offer lower rates to teen drivers if a GPS tracker is installed on their car. Since distracted driving accounts for 11% of teen car crashes, an app which locks your child’s phone while the car is in motion could potentially save a life.

Safer cars

Choose a car model with the most up-to-date safety features you can afford. Although many parents hesitate to buy their young driver a new car for understandable reasons, safety features can prevent an accident before it occurs. Many newer models are equipped with backup cameras, blind spot sensors, and hands-free technology. These features can be especially helpful to an inexperienced driver who is easily overwhelmed by heavy traffic on busy roads. Avoid smaller cars, since they may provide less protection in a crash, and SUVs as they are prone to rollovers.

John Price Law Firm represents victims of motor vehicle accidents across South Carolina. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, we offer free consultations. Reach out to us online or at (843) 552-6011 for compassionate, experienced representation.

Additional Resources:

https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/teen-driving/keeping-your-teen-driver-safe.aspx
https://www.safekids.org/blog-posts/you-can-keep-your-teen-drivers-safer-here-are-7-ways-can-help
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/teen-driving.aspx
https://www.safekids.org/blog-posts/you-can-keep-your-teen-drivers-safer-here-are-7-ways-can-help
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/teen-driving/5-teen-texting-and-driving-tips.aspx