If you asked someone to guess what the most dangerous time of year to be on the road is, they would probably assume that it’s winter – particularly here in Indiana. Snow can be a real problem, but figures show that teenage drivers have more crashes in summer than at any other time of year.
So, if you are the parent of a new driver, how can you reduce the chance that they will become one of those accident statistics this summer? Here are a couple of topics to discuss with them.
Tell your friends to be quiet if necessary
Ignoring your friends when they urge you to do something stupid isn’t always easy. However, when you are driving, it’s essential. Many of them may not even have their license yet and will have no idea of just how hard driving safely can be.
Even their noise can be distracting. If you are coming up to a busy intersection where you need to scan the road in various directions, the last thing you need is them singing along at the top of their voices to a favorite track or shouting out the window at someone in another car. Don’t be scared to tell them to shut up for a second if need be. It’s your job to get you all to your destination safely.
Don’t drink and drive
This applies at any time of year, especially since consuming alcohol at your age is illegal. However, the temptation to drink can be higher during the summer months due to more parties and barbeques. Consider leaving the car at home if you suspect people will encourage you to drink.
No matter how safely your teen drives, they may be struck by a reckless or negligent driver. Just being a teen can mean that they could be initially blamed for the crash even if they did nothing wrong. Having experienced legal guidance can help you get the compensation you need for medical bills and other costs and damages.
