Teen drivers are likely to be excited about getting behind the wheel. They can feel a sense of independence and freedom, but that independence comes with responsibility. All drivers owe a duty of care to the other vehicles and pedestrians who share the road. In their excitement, a teen driver may forget vital rules and information regarding their safety and the safety of others.
Unfortunately, a distracted or inexperienced teen driver can make a mistake that causes dire consequences. If you or your loved one suffered an accident with a teen driver, you may want to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer for help with your claim.
5 Topics to Discuss with a Teen Driver
Parents have the responsibility of preparing their teens for getting behind the wheel. A parent should discuss the following five critical topics with their teen before they start driving:
Obeying Traffic Rules
A teen may observe more experienced drivers who choose not to adhere to certain traffic rules. While another driver may not make a complete stop at a stop sign, the teen should be able to recognize why that places that driver in a dangerous situation. Other rules to which teens should strictly adhere, even though these rules are often ignored by other drivers, include:
- Always using their turn signals
- Leaving enough space between their car and the car in front of them
- Obeying the speed limit
Parents need to inform their teens that the fact that someone is violating a rule does not automatically make the action permissible. A teen must understand that traffic laws are in place for their protection and the protection of others. Regardless of how many reckless drivers they may see disobeying traffic laws, teens should never mimic the reckless behaviors they observe.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. A distracted teen driver also suffers from inexperience. While an older driver may respond quickly after a mistake, the teen driver may not have the reflexes or understanding to avoid a collision. A teen driver may be distracted by the following:
- Their phone
- Their friends
- Food and drinks
These distractions are not worth the safety of the teen and those around them. Discussing these distractions with a teen driver can help them understand why that split second of distraction can lead to life-altering events.
Driving under the Influence
While every parent wants to believe their teen understands the danger of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that is not always the case. It is better to have a conversation about the dangers of driving under the influence than to assume that your teen knows and understands the dangers.
Passenger Safety
A teen likely will want to have their friends as passengers. With each passenger added to the car, the level of possible distractions increases. For the safety of themselves and their friends, the teen needs to prioritize safe driving. Parents can explain that conversations and gossip can wait until they are safely parked. The teen’s well-being is more important than trying to keep up with the conversations in the back seat.
Car Maintenance
Car maintenance is just as crucial as understanding traffic laws. A car that is not adequately maintained can be dangerous to drive. Some car maintenance tasks to discuss with teens include:
- Changing their oil
- Checking tire pressure
- Make sure the windshield is clean
- Make sure windshield wipers are working properly
For their safety, teen drivers should know how their car operates and the maintenance it requires to keep operating. Having a functioning and well-maintained car can help prevent accidents from occurring.
Partner with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has a team of skilled car accident lawyers with experience helping clients in Southern Pennsylvania. Our legal team knows that practicing safe driving habits as a teen driver may be the difference between life and death.
Whether the teen driver was at fault or not, a car accident can lead to devastating or fatal results for all victims involved. Partnering with a skilled car accident lawyer after your accident is the best way to ensure a strong claim for your losses. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has over sixty-five years of experience helping victims of car accidents pursue damages for their losses. Our legal team is proud to provide our clients with the award-winning legal counsel needed to build a strong accident claim. To schedule a free consultation, you can contact us here or call (215) 822-7575.
