You’ll be hard-pressed to find a teen that’s not excited to get behind the wheel of a car. Learning how to drive is a big coming-of-age experience, and one that carries with it an equally big responsibility. 

Setting your teenage driver up for success

Even with less drivers on the road, due in part to the pandemic, North Carolina has seen an increase in deadly car crashes with teens. In fact, about 140 teens have lost their lives on North Carolina roads—that’s a 12% increase over just the past year. 

As a parent, how can you help your teen take to the road with both confidence and care? 

Drive with your teens as much as possible as they’re preparing for and after they’ve obtained their permit. This will give you an opportunity to help them identify areas they may need to work on and guide them through skills that may need improvement.

Plus, reviewing with your teenage son or daughter the following skills and rules of the road can go a long way in helping them stay safe and be a savvier driver. 

Tips to help your young driver safe while on the road 

1. Put the phone down. Remind them that texting and talking on a cell phone while driving are against the law with good reason—distracted driving is incredibly dangerous.
   
   
2. Get those seat belts on before starting the car. Did you know that buckling up can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and reduce the risk of critical injury by 50%? Be sure to share with your teen just how important it is for them and their passengers to wear their seatbelts.
   
   
3. Understand and obey all traffic laws. Make sure your teen understands and obeys all traffic laws. Don’t hesitate to point out issues you may see, while a passenger with them. This is when being a backseat driver may actually benefit your teen. Being a backseat driver can help your teen learn to be more aware of their surroundings.
   
   
4. Outline and adhere to legal driving limitations. While your teen is driving with a permit, and until they have an 18-year-old license, it is a good idea to limit their night driving and how many passengers they may have in the car with them.
   
   
5. Practice good driving habits. Model healthy driving habits when you’re behind the wheel with them and encourage them to do the same. Teach them to set the radio, internal temperature controls, and more when fully stopping.
   
   
6. Never drive while sleepy. As mentioned earlier, it is a good idea to limit nighttime driving. But, even more importantly, remind your young driver that they should never get behind the wheel if they’re feeling tired. And, if they start to feel tired while driving -- it is time to find a safe place to pull over and give you a call.
   
   
7. No drinking and driving. Ever. First and foremost, your teen should know that drinking at their age is illegal. Secondarily, they should never—now and later in life—ever get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. 

Did you know that teenagers under the age of 18 are still held to the same legal standard as adults when it comes to the rules of the road? Although new drivers may be at higher risk of causing accidents, they are also sometimes far more conscientious and cautious. No matter if your teen was the victim of an accident or may have contributed to a fender bender, we can help. Please give us a call at (888) 253-4071 today to discuss your options. 

 Note: This blog is intended to be informational only and shall not be construed as legal advice.