Teen Driving Safety

 Posted on July 04, 2013 in Personal Injury

Although parenting may be tricky when kids are young with spanking, timeouts, and groundings, it only gets more complicated when the kids turn into teenagers, then go to high school and get their drivers licenses. It is more important at that point more than ever for parents to teach their kids how to be responsible and safe. Even before kids are old enough to get behind the wheel, it is important for parents to model good driving behaviors, which will influence the kids when they do have control of a car. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association suggests that parents spell out the rules of the road for their teens when they are getting ready to take the wheel. Suggested rules from the NHSTA include: No Alcohol

• Even though drivers age 15-20 cannot legally buy or possess alcohol, they have a much higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident caused by alcohol than older adults. The NHTSA reported that about 25 percent of teenage drivers killed in crashes in the last 5 years involved underage drivers with a BAC of 0.01 or higher.

Always Use Your Seatbelt

• Not only is it against the law not to wear a seatbelt, but if you are in a crash, a seat belt can keep you from being thrown out of your vehicle onto the pavement or surrounding area, with no protection.

No texting or talking on the phone while driving

• With the amount of apps on phones now, along with the radio or an iPod, the air conditioning and heat, the lights and all other devices in a car, it is no wonder a driver cannot see a car right by them and get in a crash. Avoid just one distraction by keeping your phone out of your thoughts and hands.

Set a curfew

• The NHTSA reported that 75 percent of nighttime crashes involving 16-year-old drivers occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight, tell your teen what time he or she needs to be off the roads by every night to keep him or her safe.

Limit passengers

• The Allstate Foundation conducted a poll which found that about half of the teens questioned admitted to being distracted by their passengers and they drive more safely alone.

Set the house rules and consequences

• It is important that teens know all of the rules of the road and take responsibility for their car, passengers and people around them as well.

If your teen has gotten into an accident and needs legal assistance, contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices in Illinois. These experienced accident attorneys will assist you with your teen's case today.