How Parents Can Discuss Their Teens’ Defensive Driving Skills
Teaching your teen to drive a vehicle can be both an exciting experience and a challenging one. The challenge comes because it’s been years since you learnt to drive yourself, despite being a pro driver now, and knowing how to do the same for your kids may be tricky. However, teaching your kids the basic rules and good driving practices as early as possible is crucial.
Your teen can learn comfortably from you, and they can ask all the questions they need to become good drivers. Asking this will help them become good defensive drivers, which will help lower the risk of crashing and other types of accidents. It would aid if you also let them understand that not everyone will drive carefully despite knowing how to drive.
Some drivers will overspeed, others are texting while driving, and some might be under the influence. Since you cannot control the actions of other drivers, your defensive driving can help avoid crashing or other forms of accidents. Worry no more if you are wondering how to teach your child defensive driving skills effectively. This article will explore how parents can discuss their teen’s defensive skills.
Skills to Keep Your Kids in Control
Here are simple yet crucial tips that you need to address to help your teen stay in control and avoid distracted driving. Even though some points might seem obvious, you must talk to them about them to ensure they understand.
Watch Out for the Other Drivers
One of the most forgotten yet crucial driving aspects is monitoring other drivers and people along the road. You ought to remember what others might suddenly do and the risk they possess. A common occurrence is when a car is speeding past you with less space between the car and an oncoming truck in the same lane. This might force the driver to try to pull directly into their lane, which might force them to swing suddenly, which can lead to accidents. In such a case, understanding the other driver’s actions can help make the necessary adjustment which will help reduce the risk.
Contact Your Accident Lawyer in Case of an Accident
Accidents happen; when they do, your teen must know what to do. So, teach them the right thing to do after getting involved in an accident. Many kids do not know what is required immediately after an accident. Not knowing these requirements can cause serious issues afterwards.
Therefore, teach your child that leaving the scene is a bad idea. Let them know they should seek medical attention whether they have visible injuries. Your child should also know they should call a personal injury lawyer after the accident. Therefore, ensure you have given them the contact details of a top-rated accident attorney they can contact after the accident. Calling the legal expert is the first thing they must do before they call the insurance company.
Stay Focused
Most people often have a lot on their minds as they drive, and if your children are not careful, they can get distracted. You should let them know that many factors must be constantly considered when driving, such as observing the traffic laws, checking the road conditions, following directions, signals and marking. Staying focused while driving is the key to safe and defensive driving.
Stay Alert
It’s crucial to mention the need to be alert when driving. This means you should avoid driving when sleeping or under the influence since it can affect your reaction and how you drive the car. You should also mention that over-the-counter drugs or alcohol can affect the driver’s judgment and reactions.
Tips to Becoming Super Driving
Becoming defensive drivers allows your kids to be ready and aware of anything that happens on the road. Below are some tips for your kids about defensive driving.
Never Depend on Other Drivers
One of the major mistakes drivers could make is depending on other drivers’ reactions rather than defining the fate themselves. Knowing other drivers and preparing for any action can help you avoid major and fatal accidents. Never assume that the other driver will move for you to merge and let you pass. Instead, always assume that the other driver might run through the red right, which helps you prepare if they do.
Follow the 3 to 4-Second Rule
Most collisions will occur ahead of you, but using the 3 to 4- second rule can help you maintain a safe following distance. This time allows you to break to a stop if necessary. However, it’s paramount to let them know that this rule often works under normal weather conditions. In bad weather conditions, you must increase your following distance to ensure you have space in case of an emergency.
Keep Your Speed Down
You must always keep your speed down when driving. Some of the posted speed limits only work well under normal weather conditions. High speeds make it difficult to control your vehicle, often leading to a crash.
Final Thoughts
When teaching your kids about defensive driving, testing them under different weather conditions is important to ensure they understand and follow them. Remember to engage a lawyer to advise them on the actions they should take in case of an accident.
