How to Keep Your Teen Safe Behind the Wheel

Parent of a new driver? How can you prepare your teen for the road? Read Kobren Law's safe driving guide for teens and parents to help families navigate this journey.

Keep your teen safe behind the wheel. Driving is one of the most significant milestones in a teenager’s life. Getting behind the wheel is a symbol of independence and freedom but it comes with enormous responsibility.

Motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of preventable death for U.S. teens. According to the CDC, teen drivers are nearly three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged 20 and older. Common causes include:

• Texting or using a phone while driving;

• Speeding or tailgating;

• Inexperience with adverse weather conditions;

• Driving with friends in the vehicle;

• Distracted driving due to cellphone use;

• Nighttime driving; and

• Impaired or drowsy driving.

While this may be a nerve-wracking time for parents, there are steps to take to prepare your teen driver and reduce their risk significantly. These safe driving strategies are effective for reducing or preventing teen driver crashes, injuries, and/or deaths:

• Enroll your teenager in a driver’s education class, and ask your insurance company about safe driving programs or telematics that reward safe habits;

• Get insurance before they start driving;

• Teach defensive driving;

• Avoid distracted driving and speeding (obey the rules of the road);

• Seatbelts save lives so encourage everyone to buckle up;

• Restrict the number of passengers permitted in your teen’s vehicle;

• Limit driving during high-risk nighttime hours;

• Model good driving behaviors you expect your teen to abide by;

• Discuss the serious risks of drinking and driving; and

• Choose a vehicle with safety features, like crash avoidance and teen driver-specific technologies.

Because teen drivers are high-risk, parents often have higher premiums and higher coverage limits. If your damages from an accident involving a teen driver exceed those limits, Kobren Law can pursue additional claims directly against the parents or other responsible parties.

Being injured by a teen driver in Florida can raise unique questions for accident victims. While teenagers may have less driving experience, they are held to the same legal standards as adults. In addition, Florida law places certain responsibilities on parents and vehicle owners when minors are behind the wheel. Have questions about young drivers, insurance, and/or auto accidents? Kobren Law has answers.

When you contact Kobren Law, you will receive the highest level of advocacy and actionable advice. At Kobren Law, our clients and their families are a priority, not a number.

If your teen is involved in a car accident, our firm is here to help. Kobren Law offers free, no-obligation consultations, so there is no risk in reaching out to us. Fill out this online form for immediate assistance.

If you or someone you know is injured in a motor vehicle accident, call us anytime at 561-361-8677 or email help@kobrenlaw.com.