It’s Almost Back to School in Texas, Is Your Teen Driver Ready?
School’s around the corner for kids in Fort Worth and Dallas and for parents that means preparing our children for the new school year. We get them ready with new school supplies and clothes, but if you have a teen driver – you may want to put them through a refresher course on how to be a safe driver. You see, even though teen drivers only represent 7 percent of the licensed population, they are involved in 20 percent of all fatal car accidents.
Car accidents are the leading killer of teenagers in America, and as personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, I can tell you that almost all of these accidents in DFW could have been avoided. If your teen is preparing to drive to school for the first time this year, or even if they drove last year, take the time to go over some basics of the road and set down some ground rules that could potentially save their life.
Teen drivers in Texas have a high rate of car crashes because they simple don’t have that much driving experience. They get distracted easily, have trouble spotting driving risks and fail to choose the appropriate speed. Here are some easy ways to protect your teen driver:
•Limit or restrict completely the number of friends they are allowed to drive: studies show that by just adding 1 teen passenger, the fatal crash risk nearly doubles.
•Limit their driving at night and on the weekends
•Remind them to always where a seatbelt and put down their cell phone: Distracted driving and not wearing a seat belt are some of the leading killers of teens. As a parent you are part of the solution! Lead by example: put your seat belt on and don’t mess with your phone while you drive. Also, don’t add to the problem by calling your teen while you know they’re driving. Set up a plan with your teenager to have them call you as they about to drive to and from places – not while they are in the act.
Car accidents are avoidable when you follow the basic safety rules, even for teens. Use this time to remind your teen about safe driving habits and also what to do if they get in an accident. As always, you’re better safe than sorry.
