Many teenagers can’t wait to get their driver’s license to exercise their newfound independence. But with AAA’s 100 Deadliest Days wreaking havoc across the U.S., it’s important to lay the groundwork for safe driving before your teen gets behind the wheel. The 100 Deadliest Days refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day where car accidents are more common, especially for teen drivers who are more inexperienced on the road.
With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving many summer jobs canceled, there are more teen drivers on the road this summer than ever. So how can you keep your own teens safe while they’re behind the wheel? Here are a few tips you can use to teach your kids to be safer drivers.
Teach them to keep their eyes on the road
It’s important that your teen driver knows that just because they know how to drive a car doesn’t mean the other people on the road around them do. For instance, slips and falls may be the number one cause of accidents in public buildings but 52% of personal injury lawsuits are largely caused by automobile accidents.
Drivers who file a personal injury claim against another driver do so because the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence or malicious intent. That said, be sure that your teen knows to keep an eye out on the road for other drivers who may not be obeying the rules of the road. It may also be a good idea for your teen to sign up for a defensive driving class so they’ll be more prepared for unexpected events.
Avoid blind spots
Not all cars on the road are created equal. Large vehicles and big rigs have larger blind-spot areas than passenger vehicles and they weight a significant amount more, too. Refrigerated trailers can weigh up to 15,000 pounds and carry 44,000. Needless to say, no one wants a large vehicle to smack into their car.
To help your teen feel safe around these vehicles, teach them to avoid trucks’ blind spots. Trucks’ blind spots are located 30 feet behind the truck, 20 feet in front of the truck, two lanes wide on the right side, and one lane wide on the driver’s side. Always stay ahead of the truck or slow down so that the truck driver is capable of seeing you in their side mirrors.
Set a driving curfew
Even if your teen doesn’t have a designated curfew, it may be a good idea to set up a driving curfew for them. This is because many car accidents involving teen drivers typically happen at night because it’s more difficult to see on the road. Animals are also harder to see at night and even the most experienced drivers can end up injured in an accident involving a deer.
It’s always important to prompt safe driving for your teen, but especially during the 100 Deadliest Days. By following the tips above, you can feel confident knowing your teen will be safer behind the wheel this summer.