To begin with, diving is a privilege for anyone, but especially for teens. And, with it comes a sense of freedom. But, as a parent, the safety of your teen is very important. Thus, it is important to prepare your child with basic teen driver safety. In fact, these driver safety tips are perfect for all levels of driving experience.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TEENS
First, it is difficult to protect your teen once they drive off in the car. So, we put these eight safety tips together to help you educate your teen on basic driver safety.
- Buckle Up – For one thing, wearing your seatbelt is the law! Furthermore, wearing your seatbelt increases your chances of surviving an auto accident by 50%.
- Obey The Speed Limit – Unfortunately, this is a big factor for teenagers. Consequently, not following the speed limit increases your chances of having an accident.
- Learn The Controls – Granted, this seems obvious. But, everyone should know how their car operates. For instance, knowing how to adjust your seatbelt and mirrors are vital for your safety.
- Your Cars Blind Spots – Incidentally, blind spot accidents are common with teen drivers. So, it is important to remember to check your mirrors and use your directional signal when changing lanes. As a matter of fact, you should do this even with a newer car equipped with warning indicators.
- Friendly Driving – Next, be courteous and friendly to other drivers. Because driving angry can lead to road rage or worse an accident.
- Use Your Signals – Always be predictable and indicate your intentions while driving. Additionally, you should watch for other drivers signaling a turn or lane change.
- Allow Room For Stopping – As, a good rule of thumb you should allow one car length for ten miles per hour of speed. Yet, this is not always possible due to traffic. In addition, you should never tailgate.
- Watch The Road – Above all, keep your eyes on the road. Specifically, put your cell phone down, don’t put on makeup, or eat while driving. Because distracted driving is dangerous.
LEADING CAUSE OF TEEN ACCIDENTS
In all honesty, next to distracted driving, speeding is one of the leading causes of teen accidents. In fact, the NHTSA states 32% of fatal teenage auto accidents were due to speeding. So, get involved and be a good role model for your teen driver. Because kids learn from their parent’s actions.
LAWS FOR TEEN DRIVERS
In addition, to the normal traffic laws, minors have other laws to follow to protect their right to drive. These laws also have penalties for teenage drivers that violate them.
- No Moving Violation Convictions – Minor’s that receive a moving violation while they have their learner’s permit will extend the time of the learner’s permit for a year from the conviction or till the age of 18.
- School Attendance – Not attending school could suspend their driving privilege or keep them from getting their license until they can provide proof, they have attended school for a minimum of 30 days in a row.
- Using Alcohol – Florida has a zero-tolerance policy. Drivers under 21 caught with a .02% or more will receive an automatic 6-month suspension of their license. If they get caught twice, they lose it for one year.
- 6+ points in 12 months – Your teen will have their license restricted to “business only” driving for a 12-month period or until the age of 18.
- Tobacco Possession Conviction – Minor’s convicted of tobacco possession will have their license revoked for a minimum of 30 days.
ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF TEEN DRIVERS
As for, parents with teen driving, we know your teen driver’s safety is a top priority. Thus, you may want to know what you can do to keep them safe on the road? For this reason, we put together some tips to help you.
- Open Communication – First, we recommend talking with your teen driver about safe driving and unsafe driving. Because speaking with them will help them understand the dangers associated with driving. But, this should not be a one-sided conversation. So, encourage your teen to ask questions and bring up concerns they have with driving.
- Create Rules – Second, set rules for your teen using the car. Like, no using a cell phone in the car and limiting the number of passengers they can have in the car. As this can reduce some of the common risky behaviors.
- Use an App – Luckily, with smartphones, we now have apps that can track your teens driving habits. Thus, your teen may drive safer if they know you are tracking how they drive.
- Zero Tolerance – Though, this should go without saying, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Besides, underage drinking is illegal. So, is driving under the influence of alcohol. With this in mind, make it clear to your teen it is unacceptable, and you have zero tolerance.
- Lead by Example – As I stated before kids learn from their parent’s actions. Thus, it is important for you to set the example. So, don’t drive aggressively and obey the speed limit. And, always wear your seatbelt. Because they are always watching.
- Limit Night Driving – Finally, night driving poses all-new dangers for teen drivers. So, practice driving at night with them. As this will help build their skills and help them to be more aware while driving.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
