As an adult who has plenty of years of driving experience, you might not even remember the days when driving didn’t feel so second nature. But your teen probably isn’t as comfortable or skilled behind the wheel as you yet.
It’s likely you took plenty of time to teach your teenager the rules of the road ahead of their driver’s license test and trust they make good choices. However, it doesn’t hurt to create rules or monitor their habits. Since your teenage child is driving around a lot more now that school is in full swing, here are three ways you can help them stay ahead of their safety:
- Regular sleep
A consistent sleep schedule may not only aid your child in their studies, but it can make them be more alert behind the wheel. The CDC recommends that children ages 13 to 18 get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. You can help your child stay on a consistent schedule by setting a strict bedtime and cutting off technology use near bedtime.
- Enforce curfew
According to the National Safety Council, almost 20% of all car accidents involving 15- to 19-year-olds happen between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. Nighttime driving often means driving alongside people who chose to go behind the wheel too tired or too drunk. To protect your children from impaired drivers, you can set a curfew for them or ride or drive with them if they have obligations or events that go until sundown.
- Track distractions
Distractions are a problem among drivers of all ages. Since one’s own thoughts can be distracting, you can help your child keep their attention undivided while driving by putting rules in place that will reduce or eliminate controllable distractions. This can include using an app that restricts your child’s phone use while the car is running or only allowing them to drive with a limited number of passengers.
Getting an accident can be a nightmare. But if you or drivers in your family get into a car wreck, you can seek professional legal guidance to help recover damages and receive justice.
