Tips to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe
All teen drivers, under the age of 18, are issued a provisional driver license until they reach the age of 18. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, these provisional licenses come with an extra set of restrictions. These restrictions are in place to enhance the safety of teen drivers:
- Obey all traffic laws
- Drive without any collisions
- Not drive alone; a parent, guardian or other adult age 25 or older, and with a valid California driver license must be in the car with the teen driver on every single trip — No exceptions
- Hold a permit for six months before taking a driving test to get a driver license
- Although these restrictions are valuable, it is equally important to have a set of personal household rules for your teen driver — even those who are over the age of 18 and have a regular versus a provisional driver license.
Do Not use a Cell Phone While Driving
At all, for any reason. Teach your children the dangers of texting
or talking on the phone while driving. These distractions can lead to accidents, or even just ignoring
traffic signs, which can pose a danger to your teen and other drivers. In fact, when you know your teen
is driving, avoid texting or calling them too. The phone’s notifications may be too tempting to pass up.
Instruct your teen to pull over to a safe area if they must make a phone call or send a text.
Don’t allow any extra passengers. Always know who is driving with your teen. Make it clear that only
one or two passengers are allowed in the car at any given time and enforce the rule if the teen breaks it.
No Speeding
The power of driving is a strong one, and some teens may find the freedom too exhilarating. Make sure your teen understand why speed limits are put into place, particularly in school zones where the penalties for speeding are much higher than on other roads. No alcohol or drugs. Everyone knows the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Yet, many teens take the risk for fear of other consequences if their parents find out they were drinking.
Make sure your teen understands your household rules about drinking in general, but offer the caveat
that you will always be available to pick them up if they break those rules. Getting grounded at home for
underage drinking is a much less severe penalty than driving while intoxicated and killing or injuring
someone.
Always Wear a Seat Belt
Not wearing one may look dangerously cool in some circles, but it’s a proven
fact that seatbelts save lives. Make sure your teen knows the dangers of driving and getting into an
accident without a seat belt and enforce the rule that they — and their passengers — must always buckle
up.
If your teen driver was in an accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at The May Firm. We offer a
free, no-obligation consultation. Call now at 1-844- MAYFIRM.
