Did your teenager just get their license? This is a worrisome time for a parent. Here are some things that you can discuss with your new teenage driver before you hand over the keys to the family car.
Step 1
Make you teenage driver aware of the fact that using a cell phone while driving increases the crash risk by 300%. There is also a new "hands free" law in many states that forbids drivers to use cell phones while driving.
Step 2
Require that your teenage driver not have anyone in the car with them for the first 6 months unless you are with them to supervise. Adding one passenger increases the fatal crash risk by 48%. A second passenger increases the fatality risk by 158%.
Step 3
Make your teenage driver aware that speeding is a factor in 35% of crash deaths involving young drivers. Also, If they are stopped by police while speeding they will have points put on their licensee along with a hefty fine. Tell them to do the speed limit no matter how late they are for an appointment. getting there safe is better than risking their life or driving record.
Step 4
If your teenage driver must listen to the radio while driving tell them to keep it low enough that they can hear whats going on around them. Inform them that 87% of teen deaths involve distracted drivers; radios rank as a top teen distraction.
Step 5
Tell your new teenage driver to try to avoid eating while driving. Eating at the wheel causes 2% of teen crashes.
Step 6
Set a curfew for your teenage driver to have the car back. Make it as close to sunset as possible ( around 9:00pm). Teens are three times more likely to die in a crash after dark than during the day. Bookmark/Share this article with others:
