The state of Florida has more than 400,000 registered teen drivers. Of that, it is estimated that 20% will be involved in an accident during their first year of driving. From that 20%, an estimated 3,000 teens will die in traffic accidents. Parents spend years raising their children, doing everything within their power to protect them from various dangers. However, as they prepare to receive the keys to their first vehicle and drive down the roads, a parent may wonder if their child is truly prepared.
Newly licensed teens have the highest crash rates. These statistics are typically connected to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving. In contrast, your teen sees access to driving as a chance at freedom. Their ideology can be a distraction. Anything from their inexperience, their friends, and the various features of the vehicle can result in working against the safety of your teen behind the wheel.
Parental involvement should not end when your teen gets their license. As a parent, your chance to protect your child grows. You can continue to help your teen learn and be safe while on the road. Continue reading for tips to help your teen stay safe while driving.
Here are 5 important tips to help keep your child safe!
1. Set the example
From a young age, you are your child’s example of how to drive. Children tend to learn from driving, and every time your hands strayed, your eyes strayed, they have noticed. Now as a teen, they will emulate your actions.
You will serve as an impactful role model every time you are behind the wheel. Ensure that before you step foot on the gas, you know where you are going. Set your GPS up with complete instructions, adjust the radio, and buckle up. You need to show your child that you are responsible so that they can see how important it will be for them to repeat your actions.
2. Know your teen
In addition to setting an example of good driving, you must speak with your teen about it. Make sure they are aware of the responsibilities associated with driving and ask if they are ready for them. Share with them the stories and statistics involving teen drivers and distracted driving. Tell them the consequences that they can face if they fail to follow the rules of the road.
It is important to ensure that your teen driver has the proper preparation in order for his inexperience to be lessened. Be sure to listen closely to what they have to say. It is important to evaluate their ability to handle the responsibilities associated with driving a car. After that, have a conversation with them to see if they are really ready to drive.
3. Know the law
All 50 states, including Florida, have enacted graduated driver licensing laws that divide licensing into three stages: the Learner’s Permit, the Intermediate (Provisional) License, and the Full License. Each state has its own laws regarding novice drivers. Still, the goal is to provide novice drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, comfort level, and ability to drive at each level of proficiency.
As a parent, you should be aware of the steps your child will need to take in order to obtain and maintain a driver’s license. There are certain restrictions associated with certain stages of the license, with a few exceptions. Consequently, you must learn the law so that you can share it with your teenager.
In 2020, 31% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were found to be speeding. In that same year, 19% of teen accidents were found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Worse, 52% of teen drivers in fatal accidents died due to their failure to wear a seatbelt. Avoid your child being added to the statistics. Do not have just a brief conversation with your child on the law; discuss the importance of knowing and abiding by the law repeatedly.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Many school and private driver’s educational programs are available throughout the state of Florida. These driver education programs provide classroom education which they combine with 4-6 hours of on-the-road training. However, to be licensed as a minor; a parent or guardian must confirm that the minor has had approximately 50 hours of in-car driving lessons experience, with 10 hours occurring at night. This will require you to give your teen much supervised practice.
Practicing with your teen not only enhances their chance of passing their examination for their license, it also ensures that you, as the parent, know you are raising a responsible and safe driver. Take every opportunity you can to practice with your teen and ensure that they are following the example that you set..
5. Stay Alert and Aware
Driving is a heavy responsibility and the vehicle presents many distractions. Distractions can arrange from the music playing in the vehicles to the passengers that accompany you on the trip. Any distraction, no matter how minor, has the potential to cause a crash.
Encourage your teen to reduce distraction. Set their cell phone to “Do Not Disturb”. Consider limiting their passengers. Most importantly, urge them to always follow the rules of the road,
The Safety of Your Teen is of the Utmost Priorty!
They must remember that driving is a privilege. Violation of any traffic offenses, such as speeding or failing to obey traffic signs, can result in hefty fines and suspension of license. Other offenses, like drunk driving or a particular motor vehicular accident, can result in jail time. Failure to remain safe and abide by the rules of the road can quickly result in loss of licensee, limb, or, worse, life.
Be that influence on your teen’s driving record. Start talking to your child now about the importance of safe driving; share with them our tips and set the rules of no distractions, no speeding, no alcohol, no drugs, and to always buckle up. The many rules of the road are designed to keep them safe and your actions dictate the role you will play in their safety..
Our bail bond agents at 49th Street Bail Bonds hope that your teen has followed the positive example you set while on the roadways of Pinellas County and the surrounding areas when they head back to school this year. Yet, if your teen or another loved one is arrested for a traffic violation, we invite you to call our Clearwater, Florida bail bonds office at 727-592-0000.
There are a variety of charges we can provide bail for, such as traffic violations, road rage, domestic violence, assault, battery, driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), drugs, drug trafficking, neglect of children, boating under the influence (BUI), etc.
An arrest can be a frightening experience, especially if you are being arrested for the first time. Throughout the bail bond process, our bail bondsmen will assist you, remind you of court dates, and lend an empathetic ear. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Contact us today for fast bail services! We are the bondsman on 49th! Do you have friends with young drivers? Share our website address with them, we are here to help!
