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As a parent of a teenage driver, you already know firsthand about the fear and emotional struggle you had inside yourself when you saw your son or daughter drive alone for the first time. Although it is a fact of life that things change and people grow up, it is never easy for a parent to let go.  Most parents want to protect their children and will do everything they can to make sure nothing happens to them. 

However, when teenagers start driving, it is almost impossible to protect them. This is why it is important that parents engage in conversations with their teenage drivers to set rules, give advice, and to talk about the dangers of the road.  When parents not only commit to working with their children but also example good, safe driving behaviors, then teen drivers have a better chance of not being involved in collisions.

What else can a parent do to help protect their teen driver from car accidents and injuries?

• Restrict cell phone use in the car: Parents need to explain that cell phones are not to be turned on in the car.  There have been many examples in the news about teenage drivers who were texting while driving and got into fatal wrecks because of their cell phones. It would be a good idea to show your son or daughter these real-life true events that took place so they can understand how dangerous using their cell phones while driving can be.
• Emphasize the use of seat belts: Although wearing a seat belt is the law, sometimes teenagers do not wear them when they are not around their parents.  Parents need to explain to teenagers how the seat belt is the single most effective safety feature in the car and the importance of using it. 
• Prohibit passengers from traveling with them: It is proven that for every passenger that travels with a teen driver, the greater the risk of being involved in an accident.  When teens talk to their friends while driving it may take their concentration off the road and mind off the task at hand. Explain to your child the connection that passengers have on teenage drivers.

Parents are not alone in this, in fact, the entire nation is focusing on “Teen Driving Safety” this month.  The National Safety Council (NSC) has named the month of June “National Safety Month,”  and each week of the month highlights different areas of safety and prevention – with the third week of June centering on “Teen Driving Safety.”

According to the NSC, there are approximately 15 crashes that teen drivers are involved in on a daily basis.  There are many reasons why teenagers are more likely to be in an accident, including:

• Texting while driving
• Talking on the phone
• Transporting passengers and interacting with them
• Lack of experience
• Delayed reaction times
• Not enough experience to avoid road hazards or drive defensively
• Learning the roads
• Drinking and driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding

Although teenagers may be responsible for many crashes, they are not always the ones to blame.  If your teenage driver was injured in a South Florida car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may need to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer to find out your rights and how you can pursue a claim for damages in order to seek justice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/steps-parents-of-teenage-drivers-can-take-to-help-reduce-teen-accidents-and-fatalities-4885786.html

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Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld, an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney, if you or someone you love has experienced an injury in a car accident, work accident, slip and fall accident, or another personal injury. You can reach David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 today.