Help Your Teen Drive Safely This Summer

As the end of the school year draws near teens are itching to be done and get out and enjoy some summer fun. This year that desire may be particularly ramped up due to the restrictions young people have endured during the last two school years because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although your child may be chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel and head off to enjoy activities with their friends, it’s your role to help them stay safe and mindful of driving strategies that can protect them. Car crashes remain the number one cause of fatalities among teenagers in our country. Below are some tips to help ensure your teen stays safe on the road:

• Get some extra practice—If your teen is a new driver or just hasn’t been out that much in the last year, go out driving with them regularly. Studies show that inexperience is the biggest cause of teen driving accidents. Vary the road types, weather conditions, and time of day.
• Teach your teen to be aware of their surroundings—Scanning for bikers, anticipating the moves of the drivers in front of you, and staying focused on what’s happening on the road are habits that help drivers avoid accidents.
• Go over the laws of our state with your teen driver–During the first year of getting their license teens cannot carry passengers who are under the age of 20. Remind them that CA is a zero-tolerance state. This means any underage driver found with a blood alcohol concentration of .01% or higher will automatically have their license suspended for one year. Establish clear and firm consequences for unsafe driving practices.
• Discourage distracted driving—It’s also illegal for teens to use electronic devices when driving, even if they are hands-free. Encourage your teen to turn off their phone when driving. Show them how to set an “I’m driving, will call you back” message. Help them get in the habit of adjusting the radio and setting the GPS before they start driving.
• Model good driving habits—Even though it may not seem like your teen values your opinion, parents are still their biggest role models. Set a good example: always fasten your seatbelt before starting the car, obey speed limits, don’t speed through yellow lights, and follow all safe driving protocols.

Have you or a loved one been a victim of a DUI, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, dog attack, or a slip and fall incident? If so Tiemann Law Firm can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling (916) 999-9000.