Safe Driving Tips for Teens
For teens, few things are exciting as getting behind the wheel for the first time. Driving has long represented independence, freedom, and infinite possibilities. Many teens feel invincible, eager to cram their friends into the backseat and blast their music on a road trip. Unfortunately, though, the carefree fantasy of getting your driver’s license is often just that: a fantasy. The reality is that driving can be incredibly dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. If you’re eager to keep your teen safe on the road, discuss these rules with your kids before they get behind the wheel:
Minimize Distractions
What do your cell phone, the radio, and your friends talking in the backseat all have in common? They’re distracting, even if you don’t think so. While completely silent and focused driving might seem extreme, it’s not a bad idea for new drivers. To minimize risk on the road, minimize distractions wherever possible.
Prioritize Seat Belts
This might seem like common sense, but careless teens may not be fully aware of just how important seat belts are. Buckling up can mean the difference between walking away from a serious accident or landing in the hospital. Model good behavior by always using your seat belt and refusing to start driving until everyone else is buckled, too.
Limit the Number of Passengers
Kids love to cram their friends in the backseat and hit the road. Unfortunately, though, the more passengers in the vehicle, the greater the odds of the driver becoming distracted. In Virginia, drivers under the age of 17 may have no more than one passenger in the car.
Get Serious About Drunk and Drugged Driving
If there’s a single rule to hammer home to your teen, it’s this one: never get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With cannabis now legal in Virginia, more and more motorists may find themselves tempted to drive while inebriated. It’s never okay to operate a vehicle while drunk or high. Draw a hard line with your teen about this rule if you’re hoping to keep them safe.
Virginia Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer
Car accidents and wrecks, especially those that result in the wrongful death of an innocent victim, are horrific events – and the event is made all the more awful when it turns out that the at-fault driver was driving drunk.
Our attorneys have been helping victims injured in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence for over 28 years. We are sensitive to the needs of families in their time of suffering or great loss. We are also sensitive to the need to conduct a prompt investigation, which is necessary to prevail in the case against the person responsible. If you’d like to speak with us about your situation contact us for a free case evaluation 877-544-5323.