Teaching Safe Driving Habits to Teens | Seattle Car Crash Attorney

Teens are 4 times more likely than an adult to be involved in a fatal auto accident. As a Seattle car accident attorney, Bellevue wrongful death lawyer and most of all a parent- this statistic is worrisome to me. Many elements are said to contribute to the high numbers of teen traffic fatalities: the risk taker attitude, immortality mentality, speeding and racing, distractions such as passengers and cell phones and probably the most important- inexperience. With the immense dangers behind the wheel it is important to teach your teen safe driving habits early on rather than letting them learn the hard way.

1. Enrolling in Drivers Education: Not all driver’s training classes are created equal.
The best thing you can do for your teen is to get them into a good defensive driving school. Defensive driving school graduates have a significantly better driving record than those attending the typical school associated driving classes. Rather than only teaching the basics of car operation- defensive driving schools use a hands on technique to teach students how to deal with the different hazards they will meet on the road. These classes teach students how to deal with hydroplaning, snow and other conditions that will be thrown their way through the course of their life. These schools are also great at helping calm your teen’s belief that they are superman by showing them the intense danger driver’s face and the great responsibility they have behind the wheel.

2. Let your teen drive: I know, as a parent, the intense terror that teen driving insights, but it is important for teens to get practice before they venture out on their own. Just as with teaching them to ride a bike—you must be there to hold the handlebars when they first get on and stick with them until they know enough to not fall off. Let your teen take the wheel in everyday errands…to the store, the mall and grandma’s house. All of the practice will help them get the experience necessary to make smart decisions.

3. Be Constructive with your Comments:
Rather than biting your lip in fear, gripping the passenger handle and yelling stop at the top of your lungs- remain calm and make constructive comments. Calmly point out common road hazards along the way so your teen may learn to pay attention to the things around him. Noting sharp corners or areas where car accidents are common, animals, stop signs with obstructed views and paying attention to what is happening 2 or 3 cars ahead of great ways to help your young driver learn.

4. Don’t Yell in the Car!: Research shows that screaming at your young driver increases their nervousness behind the wheel and actually makes them drive worse. Remaining calm is essential to your teen learning to drive- they must not feel apprehensive or they will make more mistakes. Calmly let them know of dangers and how to properly deal with them. Calmly let them know they are too close to the shoulder or are pulling too close to a car. Your eyes must be your teen’s eyes until they adjust and become more experienced.

5. Review the Ride: After riding with your teen and are safe at home review the drive and provide constructive criticism pointing out the good and what needs to be improved. This will give them a chance to learn from their mistakes without feeling the pressure of operating a vehicle at the same time.

6. Share the Responsibility: Let your teen take up some of the responsibility of driving- paying a portion of the insurance, gas etc. this will help give them a greater respect for both their car and their driving record.

7. Ride Periodically with Your Teen: Even after they get their license ride with them every so often to check out their driving skills.

8. Set Rules:
You will need rules and curfews in place to help protect your teen. Many states already have laws against teens driving at night and having multiple passengers, but you not only need to enforce these but implement your own. Be proactive in preventing accidents by avoiding common dangers- 41% of teen car accidents occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. when visibility is low and they are not as alert. A lot of teen car accidents also occur with other teens in the car- so simply removing these possibilities through set rules will lead to better safety.

9. Create a Contract: Make a contract with your teen outlining the conditions of their driving privileges. Clearly define the rules and consequences of breaking those rules. If your teen knows they will lose their license for a speeding ticket they will be less likely to speed.

10. Be a Good Example: If you never wear a seatbelt…text while drive and yell profusely at the people around you your teen will drive the same. Decide how you want your teen to drive and set a good example.