With school back in session and after school activities underway, your teen is spending more time behind the wheel. As the days grow shorter and the threat of snow approaches, now is the time to have a conversation with your teen about safe driving. According to the NHTSA, crashes are still the leading cause of teen deaths and serious injury in the United States. Teen drivers are more at risk because of lack of skills and experience behind the wheel. In response, the NHTSA has posted tips for parents of teen drivers to help parents train their teen to be a safe driver.
To develop your teen’s safe driving skills, and help to prevent serious injury, here are some NHTSA tips for Parents of Teen Drivers:
1. Be a good role model. Your teen is watching everything you do. If you have safety requirements for your teen behind the wheel, make sure you are abiding by those rules, too. Be involved in your teen’s practice sessions behind the wheel, to reinforce good habits.
2. Distracted Driving. Have a discussion with your teen about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and phone use behind the wheel. In Pennsylvania, if your driver is under 21 years old, it is illegal to be intoxicated at any level. It is also illegal in Pennsylvania to text while driving. You can learn more about the texting while driving ban here.
For more information about teen driving safety, and for a video on how to discuss safe driving with your teen, visit the NHTSA site here.
Stay safe, and happy driving!
If you have been injured in an auto accident, please call Graham & Mauer, P.C. today, to protect your rights.
Photo Credit: whyy.org