5 Tips To Give Your Teen Driver To Help Them Avoid A New Haven Auto Accident

We are in the middle of the period that AAA has labeled as the 100 Deadliest Days on the roads of the United States.  The period between Labor Day and Memorial Day has been given this ominous nickname because it is the time of year that there is more traffic that involves teen drivers who are statistically more likely to get into a New Haven auto accident then drivers of a more advanced age.

There are many reasons why teen drivers are more vulnerable to being injured or killed in an auto accident.  Some of these reasons include inexperience, a propensity to drive at higher speeds, and being more likely to be driving with passengers who may be causing greater distractions for the driver.  All of these factors have been statistically shown to increase a driver’s risk of getting into a serious accident.  There is good news though, as parents still have great influence over the habits of their teen drivers.  Here are some things you can do to insure that your teen stays safe on the roads this summer;

1. Model good behavior behind the wheel.  While your teen may pretend he knows everything, he is still watching you to see how you behave.
2. Take steps to reduce cell phone use in the car.  A requirement that your teen stows her cell phone in the glover box is the best way to prevent an accident.
3. Monitor speeding.  There are a number of different tools that are available to parents to monitor the speed at which their teen is driving.  If he is going too fast, take away his ability to drive until he slows down.
4. Enforce a curfew.  This is good on many levels, but specifically for your teen who is out driving.  Many accidents, including very severe ones occur after the sun goes down.  There are restrictions for teen drivers in Connecticut about the hours during which they can and cannot drive.  At a minimum enforce these hours.
5. Do not allow passengers in the car.  A teen driver is much more susceptible to distraction by passengers, especially if they are her friends.  Reduce this distraction by having a very clear boundary that no friends are to be in the car while your teen is driving.

Taking these steps will not completely eliminate the chances that your teen will get into a New Haven auto accident, but these steps will help reduce the chances and that is half the battle.  Having open dialogue with your teen about safety precautions that are necessary for him/her to continue driving is one of the best things you can do to keep them safe.

If you or a loved one were involved in a serious accident, you may need an attorney to review your case.  Our experienced attorneys have taken on the insurance companies and they can do the same for you.  Contact our office immediately.