Keeping your Teen Safe behind the Wheel

If you have a teen in your house, there is a good chance that they either just got their driver’s license, or they are looking forward to getting it in the near future. For teens, this is one of the most exciting times in their lives. Once they get their license, it means freedom. Finally, they can go where they want to go without their parents having to drop them off and pick them up.

While being able to drive is seen as sort of a “rite of passage” for teens, we cannot forget the safety aspect of it. Although you may believe that your teen is the exception, it is simply a fact that teen drivers are less experienced, more emotional, and more prone to distractions than adult drivers. And in this day and age where nearly all teens use smartphones, they are more susceptible to exercising poor judgment behind the wheel than ever before.

It is incumbent upon us as parents to be proactive and take steps to help ensure that our teens stay safe behind the wheel:

Educate Them and Get it in Writing

Before your teen ever gets behind the wheel, it is very important to talk with them and educate them about the hazards they need to avoid when they start driving. We all know that many teens are exposed to liquor and other intoxicating substances at parties and other places, so be sure they understand that, under no circumstances are they ever allowed to operate a vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs.

You should also talk with your teen about texting and other types of electronic activity while driving. Sending or receiving a text while behind the wheel is extremely dangerous, because it requires your entire focus. And even looking down at your phone for a few seconds is all it takes to get into a collision. Make sure they understand how dangerous it is to use the phone behind the wheel and forbid them from doing it.

Many parents choose to make a contract that their teen that must sign promising to follow all of the rules and understanding that if they do not, they will lose their driving privileges. If you think this would be a good idea for your household, AAA has a comprehensive contract template that you can use.

This contract covers general rules, nonnegotiable rules, privileges and responsibilities, commitments, courtesies and considerations, vehicle operation, expenses, and maximum allowed mileage. Among the nonnegotiable rules include:

• Wearing a safety belt at all times (whether as a driver or a passenger);
• Requiring every vehicle passenger to wear a safety belt;
• Always driving at or below the speed limit or at a speed that is safe for the conditions;
• Obeying all traffic laws;
• Never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Never being a passenger in a car driven by someone else who is intoxicated;
• Never allow alcohol, drugs, or weapons to be in the car;
• Never allow anyone else to drive the vehicle;
• Never engage in thrill seeking, stunts, or any form of racing;
• Never conceal any warnings, tickets, or vehicle collisions from their parents.

Have them Practice Extensively Before Getting Licensed

After your teen obtains a learner’s permit, make sure they get plenty of practice driving with one of the parents in the car before they take their license exam. It is recommended that they get at least 50 hours of adult-supervised driving practice with a minimum of 10 of these hours being at night before the exam. Keep track of the amount of time they have spent behind the wheel, either with a written log or one of several available smartphone apps. Some insurance companies may provide a lower rate if you turn in your driving logs and show that your teen has had an extensive amount of adult-supervised practice.

Enforce Mississippi Intermediate License Laws

Be mindful of the Mississippi laws for intermediate license holders, and make sure your teen is following them. A 16-year-old who has had a learner’s permit for at least one year can apply for an intermediate license, which restricts driving to between the hours of 6am and 10pm Monday through Thursday, and 6am and 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They are only allowed to drive outside of these hours if they are going to and from work, or if they are driving with a license adult who is at least 21 years of age or older.

Once they hold an intermediate license for at least six months without any moving violations, they can apply for an unrestricted license. If your teen is already 17 years old when applying for a driver’s license and has no moving violations, they can skip the intermediate license and apply directly for an unrestricted license.

Implement Some Enforcement Mechanisms

If you believe that education, a written contract, and extensive practice are not quite enough to feel secure that your team will drive safely, you may want to go a step further take measures to ensure that this will happen. Technology has helped create some of the problems with distracted driving, but technology can also help with these issues as well. There are several free smartphone apps you can install on your teen’s phone that will restrict calls, texts and other message notifications while they are driving. Some can even autoreply to the sender letting them know that your teen is driving and cannot be disturbed.

You may also want to consider installing an app that can track their movement, so you always know where they go whenever they take the car out. Finally, there are hidden cameras available that can be installed in the vehicle if you believe this is necessary to monitor what is going on inside the car while your teen is driving. It is entirely up to you whether or not you need to go this far, but just keep in mind that the technology available if you need it.

Lead by Example

Lastly, we all know that children learn more by actions than words, and they have a tendency to imitate the behavior of their parents. Part of the AAA contract we referenced earlier is a commitment on the part of parents to drive safely as you are asking your teen to do. Be sure to keep up your end of the agreement, so they will learn to be good drivers who will help keep the roadways safer well into the future.

Injured in an Auto Accident in Mississippi? Contact a Skilled and Knowledgeable Pascagoula Car Accident Lawyer

Following the steps in this article will help keep your teen safe behind the wheel. Unfortunately, however, you cannot control the actions of others. If you or your teen suffered injury in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you deserve to be fully compensated. If the accident occurred in Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, or anywhere in Southern Mississippi, call the Gardner Law Firm today at (228) 900-9618 or message us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation and case assessment.