“AV-Preeminent” Rated Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell & Personal Injury Lawyer for over 35 Years
As a parent or legal guardian, nothing is more nerve-wracking than a teen driver who is eager to get on the road. Learning to drive is one step closer to adulthood and can be dangerous if not taught correctly.
Before you go with your child to an empty parking lot to practice driving, you need to know the essentials of what to teach them. In this article, we cover three key driving safety tips to teach your teen driver.
1. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
You see it every day: people looking at their phones when they should be looking at the road ahead. It’s likely no surprise to learn that teen drivers are among the worst offenders when it comes to distracted driving. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia research institute, in 2019, 39 percent of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving in the past month.
This is why it is all the more important that you teach your teen driver to put down their phones and be aware of their surroundings while behind the wheel. You may not know that distracted driving is more than sending messages. It could also involve the use of social media apps like Instagram or TikTok while actively driving.
2. Practice Defensive Driving
You may have heard that it’s important to be a defensive driver, but what does that look like when put into practice? By definition, to be a defensive driver means to be able to predict and address potential safety hazards on the road. Keeping distance between yourself and the driver ahead of you, watching cars in the lanes beside you, and paying attention to what other drivers are doing are all examples of defensive driving practices.
3. Carry The Correct Identification
No new driver wants to find themselves in the situation where they are pulled over by a policeman and they don’t have the right documents and ID cards on them. All drivers should have their vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver’s license when behind the wheel. Having these documents is necessary if law enforcement pulls them over or they get in an auto accident. Have your teen pick an easily accessible place in their car where they can keep these three essential documents.
Keep Your Teen Driver Safe On The Road
Learning to drive can be difficult and intimidating for both the teacher and the new driver. As an instructor, you must keep a cool head while in the passenger seat. Parents and guardians can take the fear out of teaching your teen to drive by visiting this link to view a step-by-step test of essential driving skills.
Also, if you believe your child needs extra guidance, consider signing them up for driving school or for an online defensive driving course.
After A Car Accident, Call Hancock Injury Attorneys
Whether you’re a parent or guardian, with these tips, you are now more well equipped to teach your teen how to drive.
If in the unfortunate event you or your teen are involved in a car accident, you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. For 30 years, attorney Mike Hancock has helped people like you get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Contact us online or call us at (813) 915-1110 to schedule your free case consultation today.