Abingdon, Bristol and Johnson City
As the parent of a young teen, you aim to teach your child the dos and don’ts of driving and how to remain safe on the road. But, have you covered all of the basis? The Law Offices of Michael R. Munsey, P.C., provides tips for helping you teach your teen driver how to remain safe while out on the roads.
It may come as a shock to you, or downright scare you, but statistically speaking, 50% of teen drivers will have a wreck before they graduate high school. Even worse is that the Governor’s Highway Safety Association reports that the state of Tennessee ranks number one in teen deaths caused by car crashes. That may sound astonishing, and while it is, our law firm has seen many cases throughout the decades of people being injured in car crashes involving a teen driver. The results of such accident could not only be a costly learning experience for your teen but could end up causing them baggage that follows them throughout their whole life, especially if the results of their crash causes a passenger or another driver to suffer from severe injuries or even death.
Teen drivers are unskilled, they get distracted easily, and they simply make mistakes. As a parent, here is how you can prepare your teen for driving.
Both Tennessee and Virginia have what is called the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL), which limits the risk of driving situations for teen drivers. However, the laws governing the GDL vary by state. Click here to learn more about laws in your state https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/Teen-and-Novice-Drivers. Familiarize yourself with these laws, and discuss them with your soon-to-be teen driver.
Set ground rules
Once they obtain their standard driver’s licenses, set expectations and ground rules for the number of passengers allowed, how late they should be out driving, and consider if they will be allowed to drive in severe weather. Most importantly, have a conversation about the dangers of distracted driving, which includes adjusting controls in the vehicle, listening to music too loud, or using their cellular phones (answering or making calls, texting, or using the internet). Set these rules early on so that there is a clear expectation as to how they should act when driving.
Discuss dangers of drugs and alcohol
Now is an essential time to discuss with your teen the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Remind your teen that drinking alcohol is for people ages 21 and over and that drug use is never acceptable. Drinking while under the influence of drug or alcohol can prove deadly.
Be a role model
Don’t rely on driver’s education courses alone to teach your teen the safety of driving and the rules of the road. Lead by example and practice what you preach. Let your teen see you drive the way you want him or her to, which means avoid using your cellular phone while driving as well! Talk to your teen about what it means to drive safely by avoiding tailgating other drivers, the dangers of speeding, and importance of abiding by the laws. After all, parents are a big influence on their teens. Teens listen even when you think they aren’t.
Personal Injury Attorney in the Tri-Cities
Should you need to consult with a personal injury attorney, the Law Offices of Michael R. Munsey, P.C., are here for you. We can provide you with a free estimate by calling (276) 451-2056.
The Law Offices of Michael R. Munsey, P.C., are proud to serve clients in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, TN, as well as Bristol, VA.