Teen drivers face unique challenges when they get behind the wheel. Inexperience, distractions, speeding, impaired driving, and difficulty judging traffic situations can all increase the risk of a serious motor vehicle accident.
“Learning to drive is about much more than knowing the rules of the road. Young drivers need experience recognizing hazards, judging distances, and making good decisions under pressure. Parents can play an important role by giving their teens plenty of supervised practice and reinforcing safe driving habits from the beginning,” says attorney Caleb Fleschner.
Teen Driver Safety Week provides an opportunity for parents, educators, driving instructors, and young motorists to have an important conversation about what it takes to stay safe behind the wheel.
One of the most important concepts for new drivers to understand is the relationship between time, speed, and space.
The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time a driver has to recognize a hazard and react to it. A vehicle traveling at higher speeds also requires more distance to come to a complete stop.
Maintaining a safe following distance gives teen drivers more time to respond if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, changes lanes, or encounters an unexpected hazard.
Judging time and space can be particularly challenging at intersections, where new drivers must pay attention to traffic signals, other vehicles, pedestrians, turning traffic, and changing road conditions.
One of the best ways for teens to develop these skills is through supervised practice.
Parents can help young motorists gain confidence by practicing in a variety of driving conditions, including:
Parents should gradually introduce more challenging situations as their teen becomes comfortable with the basics.
The goal isn’t simply to accumulate driving hours. It is to help young motorists develop good judgment and learn how to recognize potential hazards before they become emergencies.
Distracted driving is another major concern for young motorists.
Parents should talk openly with their teens about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. Texting, checking notifications, adjusting a playlist, eating, or even talking with passengers can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
A simple rule can help: When the vehicle is moving, the phone should be put away.
Parents can also lead by example. Teens are more likely to adopt safe driving habits when they see the adults around them practicing those same habits.
Teen drivers should understand that alcohol and drugs have no place behind the wheel.
Parents should make it clear that their teen should never drive after drinking or using an impairing substance—and should never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
It can also help to establish a plan in advance. Teens should know they can call a parent or another trusted adult for a ride if they ever find themselves in an unsafe situation, without worrying about being stranded or having to get behind the wheel.
Speeding can be especially dangerous for inexperienced drivers because it reduces the amount of time available to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of a collision.
Teen drivers should also understand the risks associated with aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, rapid lane changes, racing, and attempting to “beat” traffic signals.
Arriving a few minutes late is always preferable to taking unnecessary risks on the road.
Parents can help their teen establish safe driving habits by setting clear expectations from the beginning.
Consider discussing rules regarding:
Parents may also want to consider creating a written parent-teen driving agreement that outlines these expectations.
Becoming a safe and confident driver doesn’t happen overnight. Even after obtaining a driver’s license, teenagers are still developing their judgment and gaining experience behind the wheel.
Parents can make a significant difference by continuing to supervise, provide feedback, and reinforce safe driving habits.
“The habits a young driver develops early can stay with them for years. Taking the time to practice, eliminate distractions, and make safety a priority can help give teen drivers the foundation they need to become responsible motorists,” Fleschner says.
Teen Driver Safety Week is a good reminder that driver education doesn’t end when a teenager receives a driver’s license. With continued practice, guidance, and communication, parents can help their young motorists develop the skills and judgment necessary to navigate Indiana roads safely.
If your teen has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the Indiana car accident attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you understand your legal options.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
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