Common Risks to Teen Drivers

The following is a short synopsis of a more detailed article written by carinsurance.org about the common risks teen drivers face.

Everyone hates getting into a car accident. Accidents are inconvenient, expensive and can be deadly. Teen drivers are especially at risk for a car accident because they are inexperienced and tend to take risks. However, if parents teach their teen how to be a defensive driver, the chance of a collision can be greatly reduced.

Distractions cause approximately 11 percent of accidents among drivers under the age of 20. It goes without saying that the biggest source of distraction is the use of a cell phone. Taking one hand off the wheel to answer a phone call gives your teen less control of the vehicle and takes them mentally away from the road. Answering a text message is one of the biggest distractions, as it takes their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road and mind off of driving.

Eating on the go is another form of distraction. Spilling food in your lap or opening packages of food can cause a teen to swerve or take their eyes off the road just long enough to not see the car break in front of them. Cut down on distractions as much as possible and even consider having your teen sign a driving contract that they will not participate in distracting activities while on the road.

Bad weather is difficult to drive in for all drivers. Whether there is fog, snow or floods, teach your teen driver how to take precautions in extreme weather and what to do if they lose control of the vehicle. Teach your child to not slam on the brakes if the car starts to skid or hydroplane, but to release pressure on the gas and work on steering the car straight again. It is never safe to drive through a flooded street, and if for some reason a teen ends up in a flood and stalls, he or she should leave the car and move to higher ground.

Finally, be sure your teen’s car is well-maintained with a good tread on the tires. Instructing your child on these common risks will make them a safer driver, and hopefully prevent an accident the will increase insurance premiums.