Could Your Teen Be the Next Auto Accident Victim?

By Clare Louise 5 years ago

When the day comes for your teenager to get behind the wheel for the first time, how nervous will you be?

For many parents, the idea of their teen getting out there on the roads with so many other drivers is rather scary.

So, what steps can you and your teen take to greatly reduce the chances they will be the next victim of an auto accident?

Teach Your Teen Right from Day One

For you to lower the odds your teen will be the next auto accident victim, keep these pointers in mind:

  1. What are they going to be driving? – The car or truck your teenager drives will go a long way in determining how safe they will be. That being the case; will you do all you can to make sure they have a safe vehicle to operate each time out? It is important that the vehicle is equipped with as many safety features as possible. If you are going to be buying your kid a vehicle, then you want to be sure they get behind the wheel of a safety-focused auto. If your teen will be using the vehicle you have now, is it safe enough for them? Remember; given teens have less driving experience than adults, safety takes on importance.
  2. Distractions can be deadly – Remember, a split-second distraction can have consequences. With this being the case, remind your teen over and over again the importance of focusing on the road. Your teen may have temptations to use their cell phone while driving. They might also face distractions when having friends in the vehicle. What happens if your teen has road rage and loses his or her focus? There are a myriad of things that can go wrong when he or she is behind the wheel. As such, you want them to have a focus on the road at all times.
  3. Driving while impaired – It is no secret that many teens face peer pressure over the years. This is especially true as their high school years wind down. From proms to graduation to parties, your teen may feel as if he or she has to give into teen pressure. Doing so can lead to trouble. Remind your teen that it is never wise to drive a vehicle while impaired. This means everything from drinking and driving to drugs to being tired. If your teen is in a position where they are not capable of driving, hand the keys to one who is or get a ride.

If your teen is in an accident, filing a vehicle accident report is important.

Remember, the accident could have led to injuries. If it did, you do not want someone coming after your family with a lawsuit. By filing the report, you and your teen are doing what is necessary when it comes to the law and auto insurance needs.

What you and your teen take away from an auto accident is important.

That said trying to prevent that scenario from occurring in the first place should be the goal.