Summary

Teaching your teen safe driving practices is important as a parent to lower the likelihood of accidents. Teen drivers’ impulsivity and lack of experience make them more likely to cause accidents. This article offers advice on how to be a good “traffic parent,” which includes teaching Nevada’s driving laws, practicing driving with your child, and setting a good example. It also discusses safety advice, unwritten driving laws, and what to do in the event that your teen is involved in an accident. Parents can help their teenagers become defensive drivers and stay safe on the road by implementing these suggestions.

Help your teen drive safely with expert tips and strategies.

As a parent, there is nothing more rewarding than watching your teenager mature into a responsible and self-sufficient adult. However, when it comes to driving, this newfound freedom can be a source of concern. Teen drivers are more likely to cause accidents due to their inexperience and impulsiveness. As a parent, you must actively teach your teen safe driving habits and assist them in developing the skills and mindset required to become a defensive driver.

Teen Driving: What the Statistics Say

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the leading cause of injury and death among teenagers in the United States. In 2019, over 2,500 teenagers aged 13 to 19 died in car accidents, and nearly 300,000 were treated in emergency rooms for crash-related injuries.

So, why do teenagers have a higher risk of accidents? Some common reasons are:

• Teens lack the expertise and judgment to deal with unexpected situations on the road.
• Teens are more likely to speed and drive recklessly, increasing their chances of an accident.
• Teens may engage in reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and running red lights.
• When driving, teenagers are more likely to be distracted by electronic devices, passengers, and other factors.

How to Be a Good Traffic Parent

As a parent, you have a significant impact on your teen’s driving habits. Here are some pointers to help you be an effective traffic parent:

• Provide a good example: Always obey traffic laws, wear a seat belt, and avoid distractions while driving. Your teen will most likely mimic your behavior, so make sure you are demonstrating safe driving habits.
• Practice driving together: Ride with your teen on a regular basis and provide constructive feedback on their driving skills. This will help them improve their skills and gain confidence behind the wheel.
• Teach the law: Explain Nevada’s driving laws and the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program to your teenager. Make sure they understand the road rules and the consequences of breaking them.

Unwritten Driving Rules Your Teen Should Know

While there are many written driving laws, there are some unwritten rules that can help your teen stay safe on the road. Here are a few.

• Be patient:  Encourage your teen to remain calm and patient in traffic, even if the other drivers are aggressive or rude.
• Maintain a safe distance: Teach your teenager to keep a safe following distance from other vehicles. A good rule of thumb is to leave a 3- to 4-second gap.
• Allow others to pass: If another driver tries to pass your teen, encourage them to let the other driver go ahead. It is safer to allow aggressive drivers to pass than to try to speed up or block their path.
• Do not let distractions take over:  Encourage your teen to avoid distractions while driving, such as texting, eating, or talking to passengers.

Safety Tips Every Teen Driver Needs to Know

Give your teen driver the following crucial safety advice:

• Wear your seatbelt: Ensure that your adolescent knows how important it is to always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Avoid drinking and driving: Make sure your teen understands the consequences of driving under the influence (DUI) and the risks of drinking and driving.
• Limit nighttime driving: Teens who drive at night may be more vulnerable to accidents, so try to keep them from doing so.
• Limit passengers: Your teen may become distracted if they have too many people in the car, so set a limit on how many they can have.

What to Do if Your Teen Gets into an Accident

Here are some things to do if your teen gets into an accident:

• Look for any injuries: Check for the safety and well-being of your teen and any other passengers. Call 911 or get medical help right away if someone is hurt.
• Record the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, capturing any property or vehicle damage. Additionally, get any witnesses’ contact details.
• Speak with an attorney: For advice and assistance, think about getting in touch with a lawyer if the accident was severe or caused a lot of damage or injuries.

Conclusion

One of the most significant roles you will play in your teen’s life as a parent is that of a traffic parent. By modeling appropriate behavior, teaching your teen safe driving techniques, and offering support and direction.