Parents can have mixed emotions when their teenager finally gets their driver’s license. On one hand, it can cut down on the time you spend driving your teen to sports, music lessons, and other activities. On the other hand, you may naturally worry about the risks of allowing your inexperienced teen to get behind the wheel of a car and drive on their own. This is not an irrational fear, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that teens have three times the risk of being in a fatal crash than drivers who are at least 20-years-old.
You can help to keep your teen driver safe by reviewing the following safety tips with them and emphasizing the importance of following these tips at all times behind the wheel.
- Do not use a cell phone – Whether a cell phone is used to text, talk, or browse social media, using your phone while driving is extremely dangerous for drivers of any age. Not to mention, using a phone while you are driving in New York can result in a traffic ticket, major fines, and several points on your newly obtained license.
- Minimize other distractions – There are many other distractions other than your cell phone that you should avoid, which include eating or drinking, talking to passengers, reaching into the back seat, programming a GPS or radio, among others.
- Follow traffic laws – Following the speed limit, obeying traffic signals, and complying with other traffic laws can help to avoid crashes – at least crashes in which you are at fault.
- Drive defensively – Aggressive driving is an epidemic in modern times as everyone seems to be in a hurry. For your teen driver to avoid accidents and injuries, you should teach them to always be aware of what is happening around them and to protect themselves from collisions whenever possible. Having them take a course in defensive driving may also lower your insurance premiums.
In addition to reviewing these important safety tips for your teen driver, you should also be sure to select a vehicle for your teen that is safe and reliable with a good crash rating. Your insurance rates will be more manageable if you select a practical vehicle for them, as well, instead of a sports car or another vehicle that may encourage unsafe driving and be involved in more accidents.
Contact us today for a quote.
The experienced agents at Skeele Agency, Inc. can help you select the right insurance policy for you and your teen driver. Call one of our offices today to discuss your insurance needs.