When it’s finally time for your teen to hit the road without parental supervision, you must be confident in their ability to handle any situation that comes their way. That’s why it’s so important to talk about safe driving in the appropriate manner (and as often as possible).
Here are four things that make it easier to talk to your teen about safe driving:
- Show them, don’t tell them: Yes, you want to share your advice on safe driving, but you should also set a good example when your teen is in the car with you.
- Explain the facts: Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. Share statistics associated with drunk driving and drowsy driving. The more facts you lay out the more likely it is that your teen will follow the rules of the road.
- Answer questions: If you continually preach, never listening to your teen, they may eventually tune you out. It’s important to answer their questions and let them know you’re available to discuss anything that comes to light.
- Stick with it: Just because your teen drives for a few months without incident doesn’t mean you should stop talking to them about safety. Stick with your plan over the long run.
If your teen is part of a motor vehicle accident, be sure they receive the proper medical treatment.
When time allows, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Also, speak with your child about the cause of the accident, while also reading the police report. This will help you decide how to best protect their legal rights.