Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, representing one-third of all teenage deaths1. As a parent, it can be terrifying to hand over the keys to your child and watch them drive off into the sunset. But there are things you can do to help your new driver stay safe on the roads. By teaching your child how to drive defensively and instilling in them a healthy respect for the dangers of the road, you can help them stay safe as they navigate their way through this new phase of life.
One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to practice defensive driving. This means being aware of your surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers2. Here are some defensive driving tips to teach your child:
Watch for red light runners. Teach your child to always look both ways before proceeding through an intersection, even if the light is green.
Be aware of distracted drivers. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Help your child be aware of other drivers who may be texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.
Leave plenty of space between you and other cars. This will give you time to brake if someone cuts you off or if another car suddenly stops in front of you.
Drive the speed limit. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially among teenage drivers. Help your child understand that it’s important to obey posted speed limits, even if they’re feeling rushed or there’s no one else on the road.
Obey traffic laws. Running stop signs or red lights, failing to use turn signals, and other traffic law violations are all recipes for disaster. Help your child understand that following traffic law is not only important for safety, but also for avoiding costly tickets and points on their license.
Respect Road conditions. Wet roads, icy roads, and construction zones all present unique hazards. Help your child understand how to safely navigate these conditions by reducing their speed, increasing their following distance, and being extra cautious when passing other vehicles.
Road rage is another leading cause of accidents, especially among young drivers who are still learning how to handle stressful situations behind the wheel. Help your child avoid road rage by teaching them how to stay calm behind the wheel and not take things personally when other drivers make mistakes. If someone cuts them off in traffic, encourage them to take a deep breath and let it go rather than getting upset or trying to retaliate.
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child every time they get behind the wheel of a car. But by teaching them how to drive defensively and instilling in them a healthy respect for the dangers of the road, you can help them stay safe as they navigate their way through this new phase of life.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, November 6). Mortality Among Teenagers Aged 12-19 Years: United States, 1999-2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db37.htm#:~:text=Accidents%20account%20for%20nearly%20one,94.1%20deaths%20per%20100%2C000%20population
2. What is defensive driving? Progressive. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.progressive.com/answers/what-is-defensive-driving/
