Every parent worries about his or her child hitting the road. There’s good reason to do so. Distracted driving is something more teens than ever have to manage. Though there’s always been the risk of someone not paying attention, accidents happen more frequently now than before. What can you do to help your child? Aside from having quality auto insurance, there are several things you can do.
Teach Your Child About Risks
Distracted driving is any type of activity or action in which a person does not pay enough attention to what is happening on the road. There are two factors to teach your teen driver here.
First, they need to avoid engaging in this type of activity. It protects them to do so. It also protects other drivers on the road. Tickets for distracted driving can raise their car insurance costs, too. It is always better to avoid these risks, rather than give in to temptation.
Secondly, be sure your teen recognizes that other drivers may take these risks, too. In doing so, those drivers are putting your teen at risk. By learning to be a defensive driver, it may be possible to reduce this risk as well. The teen should know that they must look out for themselves.
Statistics Can Help
It is not always easy to get information across to teens. They sometimes feel invincible. This is very true once they are behind the wheel of a car. Even good students may not recognize the risks fully. A few statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may help.
- In 2017, 3,166 people died in the United States as a direct result of distracted driving.
- Among distracted teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 19, 297 people died as a direct result of their actions.
- In 2017, 2.9 percent of drivers are still using handheld cell phones while they are behind the wheel on a routine basis.
Consider these facts. Teach your teen why they are so worrisome.
Discuss, too, why teen drivers are at a higher risk. They are less skilled. They have more distractions, especially when they invite other teens in the car with them. And, cell phones, radios and even distracting conversations can make the process even worse. For this reason, it is important to have a conversation with your child about distractions behind the wheel.
Take into consideration your own habits, too. Set the example for your child. You do not want to have to file an auto insurance claim for distracted driving accidents. It can raise costs significantly.
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