Teen driving is dangerous. It's as simple as that. For a teen to become a proficient adult driver, however, a teen must learn to drive and learn to drive safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 3,000 teens (aged 15-19) were killed in vehicle accidents, and another 350,000 teens were sent to the emergency room in 2009.
Parent-Teen Driving Contracts
There are a number of ways that parents can help a teen stay safe as the young driver works toward becoming an experienced driver, including signing a driving contract.
Parent-teen driving contracts set out the rules of the road for the teen - including hours when the teen can drive, the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle, acceptable and not acceptable behavior behind the wheel and other provisions parents see fit. So there is no confusion later, the contracts should also state what the penalties are for violating the provisions of the contract. The contract can also indicate ways in which the teen can gain further driving privileges and responsibility.
Parent-teen driving contracts are becoming widely accepted as a way to keep teens safe - so much so that a few insurance companies offer discounts on insurance for signing a driving contract. Contracts are available from CDC, some insurance companies and American Automobile Association (AAA).
Teen Driving Safety Tips
Parents are the "key-holders" and they have the ability to set the rules in order to keep their teen son or daughter safe on the roads. While many "safe driving tips" are set out as law by states that use a Graduated Driver's License (GDL), parents should be aware of and emphasize the following:
- Limit the number of passengers that can be in the car
- No cell phone use while in the act of driving, unless an emergency
- No texting or emailing while driving
- Limit night driving
- Absolutely no drinking and driving
- Keep a close watch of new teen drivers - CDC reports the crash risk is highest for teen drivers during the first year of driving
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash , protect your rights by contacting an experienced attorney.