According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the second leading cause of death for teen drivers in the United States. A staggering figure of 2,400 teens aged between 13 and 19 lost their lives in vehicle crashes in 2019.
Why are teen drivers so vulnerable to car accidents, and how can you help, as a parent, to prevent teenage car accidents? Below are helpful safety tips for teen drivers.
- Driving experience – Teen drivers lack driving experience. Work with your child to develop substantial driving experience in all weather conditions. Train your teen to drive in both urban and rural areas so they can learn to navigate different types of traffic. Ride along with your child as they learn to drive for about 30 to 50 hours and ensure that they are able to handle a variety of traffic and weather conditions.
- Buckle up – In Wisconsin, all drivers and passengers over the age of 4 years old are required to wear a seatbelt, and for good reason. Helping your teen develop a habit of buckling up before taking to the road is the most effective way to help them avoid severe injuries in the case of a traffic collision. Start talking to them about the importance of wearing a seatbelt before they begin driving and never let your teen turn on the car without first putting on their seatbelt.
- Use signals – Teach your child to use appropriate signs to indicate their intentions when driving. They should also watch out for other drivers signaling to change lanes or turn.
- Learn the controls – This is one of the most important safety tips but is often overlooked. It is essential for your teen to know how their vehicle operates. For instance, they should master how to use various indicators, adjust mirrors, seatbelts, touch screens, and other vehicle functions to ensure safety.
- Obey speed limits – Failure to follow the recommended speed limits increases a driver’s risk of an accident. Speed limits are often disregarded by teens. Talk to your child about the importance of maintaining appropriate speed limits while driving.
- Avoid distractions – Teens are susceptible to distractions. They have grown up chatting, texting, and multitasking with cell phones and other devices. At the dinner table, it can be annoying. Behind the wheel, it can be deadly. Help your teen understand the perils of texting and driving, and encourage them to keep their phones away when they are behind the wheel.
- Identify your vehicle blind spots – Most cars have blind spots that prevent drivers from seeing other cars on the road. As your teen learns to drive, help them identify and understand how blindspots affect their ability to safely change lanes and make turns.
- Restrict night driving – Most deadly teenage accidents occur at night and usually involve drinking, speeding, and reckless driving. Establish a curfew for your teen and ensure they don’t drive past the suggested hours.
Contact Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney
If your teen has been involved in a car accident and needs legal help, we can assist you at Natasha Misra Law. Fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
