Being the parent of a new driver can be nerve wracking, to say the least. You may be nervous about the whole idea of your teen driving, but you do want to make sure they are a safe and responsible driver. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Stress the importance of distraction-less driving
As a parent who has been driving for a couple of decades, you know all too well how fast something bad can happen. A serious accident can happen in the time it takes to look down at a text message or turn around to talk to someone in the back seat. Make sure your teen knows how serious the results can be if they allow themselves to be distracted.
Make sure they are prepared
If you live in an area where the weather gets bad, make sure your teen knows how to drive in snow and rain and when streets are icy. It is also important that they are prepared for emergencies. They should always have items such as a flashlight and jumper cables in the car. Even a set of warm clothes and a sleeping bag might be a good idea, depending on where they are headed.
Tell them the rules and then stick to them
Teens are less likely than adults to drive after drinking, but studies show that if they do drive after drinking they have a higher risk of getting into a crash than adults do. With car lift services among the many options available to them, there is no excuse for drunk driving. There is also no excuse for speeding or not wearing a seat belt. Make sure your teen knows the rules and agrees to follow them. You might even consider drawing up a “contract” so that all of your expectations are down in writing, as well as the consequences for breaking the rules.
You want your teen to be safe, for their sake and for the sake of others on the road. If your teen is driving safely but has been the victim of a car accident in Atlanta, you and your family deserve compensation. Call Robbins Law, PC, at 800-772-5555 for a free consultation.