Car accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States. Teenage drivers have a higher chance of getting into accidents than adults. This is problematic, especially for every parent who has a child that’s driving. So what causes these accidents? Let’s look at the five most common reasons and how to prevent them.
Reasons Why Teenagers Get Into Car Accidents
Inexperience
One of the main reasons why teens get into car accidents is their lack of experience behind the wheel. Teens have not had enough time to master the skills necessary to drive safely.
Inexperience can be problematic if your child is driving long distances. This is because teens are more likely to get tired and make mistakes when driving for long periods.
Distractions
Another primary reason why teenagers get into car accidents is due to distractions. Distracted driving is not just limited to texting. It can also include talking on the phone, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, or even talking to passengers in the car. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving can be classified as a distraction.
Impaired Driving
Impairment caused by drugs or alcohol is another leading factor in teenage car accidents. Teens are very likely to engage in risky behavior like drinking and driving. It’s often due to peer pressure or a lack of understanding of the consequences.
Speeding
Many car accidents involving teenagers are caused by speeding. Teens can feel invincible, and this leads them to drive as fast as they can. However, this is not the case. Speeding increases the chances of losing control of the car and getting into an accident.
Drowsy Driving
Lastly, drowsy driving is another factor that can lead to teenage car accidents. Many teenagers don’t get the right amount of sleep they need. This can lead to drowsy driving, which can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.
Accidents are troublesome for teenagers. It can lead to injuries or, worse, death. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and how to prevent them. Here are some ways to reduce your child’s chances of getting into a car accident.
Defensive Driving
One of the essential principles that your child should follow is defensive driving. This involves being aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road. It also means anticipating what other drivers might do to avoid accidents.
There are various ways your child can learn about defensive driving. The first option is for you to teach them yourself. This option is the cheapest, and you can tailor the lessons to your child’s learning style. However, they should learn it from a professional. You can enroll them in a defense driving course offered by many community organizations and driving schools. This will ensure that they receive proper instruction from experts and also learn the best practices while on the road. It will drastically improve their performance while driving, and maybe set out a career for them.
Night Driving
Another way to reduce the chances of your child getting into a car accident is to limit their night driving. Most accidents happen at night, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. If your child must drive at night, ensure they’re extra careful and aware of their surroundings.
Obey The Speed Limit
As mentioned earlier, speeding is one of the leading causes of teenage car accidents. As such, your child needs to obey the speed limit. This is not only for their safety but also to avoid getting pulled over and getting a ticket. Thankfully, there are now ways you can ensure that they follow the speed limit in your neighborhood.
Coaching
Being there for them when driving is one of the best things you can do if you want them to obey the speed limit. You can watch over their shoulder as they drive and give them feedback. This is known as coaching. It’s a great way to help your child improve their driving skills and become more aware of the dangers on the road.
Technology
In today’s age, various devices can help you monitor your child’s speed. One such device is a GPS tracker. You can install it in their car and set alerts to notify you when they’re speeding. It allows you to take action before it’s too late.
Some devices monitor your child’s driving habits and score them based on safety. This is a great way to encourage them to be more careful on the road.
Wear Seatbelts
Another essential safety measure is always to wear seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt can help to minimize the severity of injuries in an accident. It’s also the law in most states, so ensuring your child follows this rule is vital.
Teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents than any other age group. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and how to prevent them. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your child safe on the road.
