Parent - Teen Communication Important in Avoiding Crashes
Statistics show that teens are more likely to get into accidents compared to adult drivers. The accident statistics is often said to be caused by the teen’s lack of experience in driving and the overestimation of their driving skills.
Around 5,000 teenagers die nationwide annually because of motor vehicle accidents and so parents should be more wary of their teens’ driving behavior.
The invincibility that teens feel when they are driving can lead to accidents that will ruin their lives. To prevent this, their parents’ guidance is important especially to young drivers who are just starting to encounter usual conflicts when driving.
Parents must also establish an open line of communication to make sure that their children know that they can ask for driving advice and tips on how to avoid road accidents.
Moreover, parents should emphasize the importance of abiding by all traffic rules. These are some crucial reminders:
- Never drink and drive.
- Stay within speed limits.
- Always wear safety belts and tell passengers to do the same.
- Never use handheld gadgets while driving.
- Always be alert and focused.
- Watch out for other vehicles when shifting lanes or making a turn.
- Use appropriate signal lights.
- When exhaustion and fatigue hits, pull over and rest to recuperate.
Teens should be assured of their ability to drive but at the same time, keep them grounded in reality and be reminded of possible accidents that could happen if they are too complacent in driving. To further protect their child from accidents, parents of novice drivers are encouraged to construct a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.
Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement is made between the teen and his parents which sets the rules on his driving and use of vehicle. The agreement gives the teen the responsibility to abide by the rules to avoid punishments.
This usually involves driving privileges and possible punishments for each violation that the teen may commit. All the provisions must be agreed upon by both parties so that parents will be more assured that their kids will really follow the agreement.
Child Behavior and Vehicle Maintenance
Knowing their child’s behavior is very important. It will give the parents an idea of how their child will typically react to some situations that can confront them while driving.
Parents must discuss with their children the road rage and what damages it could cause other motorists. They must also enlighten them of the possible punishment for their actions.
In most road rage incidents, the aggressor will use his vehicle as a tool for violence and inflict damage upon other motorists or even pedestrians. Teens must be made aware of the heavy amount of compensatory damages that his family would need to pay the victim – thus, the teen will be forced to control his anger and be more conscious in dealing with others.