Your oldest son has just started his driving course and you know that it will not be much longer before he has his license. You have spent the last 16 years doing everything you can to keep him safe and very soon he is going to drive away without you.
New drivers are at the greatest risk of being involved in a car accident. This is mostly due to inexperience. Fortunately, there are tips you can share with your teen driver to help keep him safe on the road. However, no matter how careful he is, there is always a chance that he will become the victim of another driver’s negligence. If this happens, it is best to contact a local Texas attorney for advice on filing an injury claim.
Read further for safety tips for your teen driver.
Put the phone down
Studies have shown that using a phone for talking or texting while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk. Even using a hands-free mode is distracting. Your son should be on the lookout for other drivers that may be multitasking while behind the wheel. Serving, sudden breaking, and drifting are often signs that a driver is not focused on the road. Your teenager should keep his distance from these drivers in order to avoid becoming involved in an accident.
Keep the headlights on
Headlights are not just for driving at night. Inform your child that he should have his headlights on at all times to make him more visible to other drivers. This is especially important during sunrise and sunset when visibility is particularly low.
Stay at the speed limit
Speeding is one of the top contributors to car wrecks. If two cars are speeding and collide against each other, the consequences could be disastrous. Encourage your son to drive the speed limit. Staying within the speed limit will allow him to have more time to react to sudden changes in traffic flow and to avoid an accident.
Choose safety over style
A teenager’s first car should be equipped with the latest safety feature such as air bags and anti-lock brakes. Since it is not always possible to avoid an accident, you should ensure that the car your teenager drives is outfitted to minimize injuries.
As drivers become more experienced, the chances of being involved in a serious car accident decrease. Regardless of skill level, experience, and precautions, it is not always possible to avoid a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another diver. If you or your child is involved in a car accident, it is important to understand your rights and options in Texas.
