For teenagers, obtaining a driver’s license is a ticket to more independence, a part-time job and other freedoms. For parents, the day their kids start driving is rife with anxiety. Some fear that their children are not mature enough to handle the responsibilities of driving; others worry that a negligent motorist will injure their kids.
You can help your children avoid accidents by answering their questions, teaching them how traffic works, and explaining how to drive defensively and avoid dangerous scenarios.
These four tips will help your teenager avoid some of the most common causes of accidents and injuries:
- Eliminate distractions
- Monitor your tire pressure
- Fasten your seatbelt before you start the engine and
- Obey posted speed limits.
Unfortunately, even the most diligent teenage drivers can fall victim to negligent motorist. If your child suffered an injury due to a drunk, distracted or reckless driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC.
A Lake Charles injury lawyer will help you claim the maximum compensation from the at-fault driver. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at four essential safety tips for teenage drivers:
Eliminate Distractions
According to Students Against Destructive Decisions, passengers are the most common cause of distracted-driving accidents involving teenagers. For this reason, it is illegal for a teenager with an intermediate license to carry more than one non-family passenger aged 21 or younger between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed guardian, parent, or adult aged 21 or older.
In addition to limiting the number of passengers in the vehicle, your teen should know the dangers of these distractions:
- Eating and drinking behind the wheel
- Texting or talking on a cell phone
- Browsing social media
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls; and
- Gawking at distractions outside the vehicle.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Most teenage drivers are aware that drinking alcohol, texting and speeding contribute to accidents. However, many overlook the dangers of driving with low tire pressure.
Under inflated tires tend to wear more rapidly due to excess friction. This increases the likelihood of a blowout. As such, your teen should always keep a tire pressure gauge in the car, and parents should check the pressure in their teens’ tires from time to time.
Fasten Your Seatbelt before You Start the Engine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent injuries and death if an accident happens. However, it is dangerous for drivers to buckle up while the vehicle is in motion. Your teen should make a habit of fastening his or her seat belt before starting the engine.
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Obey Posted Speed Limits
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that speeding contributed to 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012 – accounting for more than 10,000 deaths. Make sure your teen understands the dangers of speeding, and instruct him or her to slow down in these situations:
- When driving through residential neighborhoods
- When driving through school zones
- When driving in poor weather; and
- When driving near parks.
If you or your child was injured by a negligent driver, turn to Morris Bart, LLC. An accident attorney in Lake Charles will evaluate your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
