Talking to Your Teen About Road Safety

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Updated May 25, 2019 | Auto Accidents | Social Share

Schools are starting to close for the summer, which means a lot of freedom and independence for teenagers. There’s a lot to look forward to: Summer means road trips and other vacations, and even before that, there are proms and graduation ceremonies.

However, the months between graduation and the start of the next semester can be some of the most dangerous for teen drivers simply because they’re out on the road more during those months and don’t have as much driving experience as the adults around them do.

Car collisions are one of the most common and preventable types of accidents, and they can be some of the most dangerous. Even a small car wreck can change your teen’s life forever.

That’s why, in observation of National Youth Traffic Safety Awareness Month, we recommend talking to your child about how to be safer on the road. Here are some topics to discuss.

Tips for Being a Safe Driver

Setting a good example for your child about being a safe driver is a good start, but having a conversation with them about road safety could mean saving their life. Stress that no one is invincible and the importance of being careful as well as keeping these safety tips in mind:

• Don’t drive while distracted. Put away the cell phone, because that call or text can wait. If they need to grab something to eat, stop to eat it rather than trying to eat while driving. Avoid being distracted by loud music as well.
• Don’t drink and drive. Indiana has zero tolerance laws for underage drunk driving, and alcohol can impair their judgment.
• Be a defensive driver. Make sure they stay aware of where other cars are in relation to them and allow a safe following distance from the car in front in case they need to stop suddenly.
• Wear a seatbelt. They can dramatically decrease their chances of dying in a car accident by making sure they stay in place inside the car if it crashes.
• Follow speed limits. The limits exist for a reason, and they are the maximum speed they should be driving.
• Be assertive. If their friends aren’t being safe drivers, encourage them to speak up. Embarrassment is better than getting hurt or even killed.

What You Could Lose

It’s possible that a lecture on being safe behind the wheel could get you some eye-rolling. Talking about the dangers that they’ll face on the road, rather than just listing safety tips, is also an important step. Encourage your child to pay attention and let them know what could happen if they don’t and they get into a car accident:

• Their friends won’t trust them to be a safe driver
• They could lose their driver’s license
• They could face financial consequences: ticket prices, insurance rates, repairing or replacing the car, medical bills, and legal expenses could all come up as a result of a single traffic accident
• They could lose their chance at going to college or getting a job in the future
• They could face jail time
• They, someone they love, or even a total stranger could get hurt or killed

Contact an Automobile Accident Attorney Today

No matter how well you teach them or how well they listen, nothing can completely prevent a car accident from happening to your teenager. The advice of their parents, teachers, and even their peers can go a long way toward reducing the chances of an accident and increasing their chances of coming out of a wreck alive, but car crashes can happen to anyone, and they have physical, emotional, mental, and financial ramifications.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a car accident, contact an Indianapolis auto accident attorney from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.