While parents in Oklahoma may be familiar with the worry that accompanies sending a teen driver out on the road, parents can do more than just stand by and worry this summer. When it comes to safe driving practices, parents have more influence over their teens’ behavior than they might expect, experts say. “Parents play a key role in preventing teen crashes,” says Erin Sauber-Schatz, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the CDC. “When asked whose opinions they listen to, teens most often said their parents.” Keeping this in mind, parents can follow this practical advice for having a conversation with their teens about safe driving.
Be clear and be involved. Statistics show that teens who think their parents will be upset with them if they engage in dangerous driving are less likely to take risks behind the wheel. For this reason, it is extremely important for parents to communicate clearly with their teens about their expectations for safe driving.
Make sure they get lots of practice behind the wheel. Getting plenty of supervised driving practice is essential for keeping teens safe when behind the wheel. “You should be driving with your teen as much as possible,” says Flaura Winston, M.D., director of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “The more hours the better, and in a variety of conditions.”
Write up a parent-teen driver agreement. This type of “contract” can help parents start a conversation about safe driving practices. A parent-teen driving agreement lists driving rules – including always wearing a seat belt, never texting and driving, etc. – and spells out the consequences for violating these rules.
CONTACT OUR OK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FOR HELP
Car accidents in Oklahoma lead to devastating injury and tragic loss of life every year. By starting a conversation with their teens and promoting safe driving practices behind the wheel, parents in Oklahoma can help reduce the incidence of automobile accidents in Oklahoma and across the country. If you have suffered from injuries caused by an OK car accident, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, contact our car accident attorneys at AMA Law today. Too often, car accident victims are left on their own to struggle with the overwhelming burden of serious injuries, costly medical bills, and lost wages due to missed days at work. With the help of our qualified car accident lawyers at AMA Law however, victims of serious car accident injuries in Oklahoma City can seek fair and timely reimbursement for their injuries and protect themselves from further harm.