How parents can help their teen driver avoid a fatal car crash

Getting a driver's license is a huge milestone in a teenager's life and many teens in Raleigh are eager to get behind the wheel whenever possible, even if it is simply to run errands for their parents or go to their summer job. Unfortunately, teens do not have the driving experience their older counterparts do, and many teens have a sense of invincibility. This combination can prove to be deadly if a teen is involved in a motor vehicle accident.

The statistics on teen driving accidents

In 2019, nearly 2,400 teens lost their life in a motor vehicle accident and a further 258,000 suffered injuries serious enough to send them to the emergency room. To put it another way, each day approximately seven teenagers lose their life in a car accident and hundreds more suffer injuries in a car crash. Teens ages 16 through 19 are the most apt to be involved in an auto accident. Teens in this age range are almost three times as likely as motorists ages 20 or above to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident.

Topics to discuss with your teen driver

Parents can play an important role in driving safety. They can talk to their teens about safe driving practices that will hopefully help their teen avoid becoming another statistic. For example, discuss different dangerous situations that your teen may encounter while driving and how to handle them. Encourage seat belt use. Discuss the danger of using a cellphone while driving — not only is it distracting but it is also against the law. Explain the importance of following the speed limit and warn against the dangers of drunk driving and drowsy driving. Parental involvement and oversight can go a long way to ensuring your teen becomes a safe, responsible driver.

Learn more about motor vehicle accidents

While it is good to keep tabs on your teen's driving habits, the fact is that some teens will be involved in serious or even deadly motor vehicle accidents. These accidents can be both costly and emotionally devastating, especially if the teen is killed. Parents who have lost a teen in a car crash may be interested in exploring our firm's webpage on fatal car accidents.