When my son first got his driver's license, at age 16, I worried a lot. First, my auto insurance premiums soared. More importantly, however, I was aware that motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of death and disabling injury among teenagers. Statistics tell us that teenagers are four times more likely to die in a car accident than adults. It's not hard to figure out why.
Teens are inexperienced drivers. At the same time, they are often overconfident about their driving skills. They are easily distracted, chatting with passengers, listening to the radio, or using cell phones. Given their youth, most have not lived long enough to develop the kind of sound judgment most mature adults have acquired after driving for years or decades. Some teenagers yield to temptation and show off in front of friends taking risks no reasonable grown-up would take. Some think using seatbelts is for sissies and that speeding shows how cool they are.
What's a parent to do? Believe it or not, activist parents do have a few options, some of which didn't exist when I was growing up. You're probably familiar with placards on the back of some tractor trailers that list a phone number you can call to report a trucker's bad driving. Well, some parents are now placing stickers on the rear bumper of their children's cars which give a toll free number. If a passing motorist sees a teen driving erratically or dangerously, the motorist can dial the 800 number to complain, and the complaint will be forwarded to Mom or Dad.
Some insurance companies offer their customers programs that provide in-car cameras (DriveCam) that can be installed inside a teenager's car. Next thing the parents know, they've gotten an E-mail reporting that the in-car device indicates their son or daughter has been in an accident or has engaged in inappropriate driving behavior. Some parents even use DriveCam for "training purposes." They sit down with their child and review the film footage, discussing ways in which the young person can become a better and safer driver.
Many of us use in car GPS systems for directions to a new doctor's office, to a restaurant, or to a stranger's house. But, did you know some auto insurance companies provide clients GPS tracking tools which notify parents when their teenage drivers disobey a pre-set speed limit, drive at night after a curfew, or drive beyond prescribed boundaries?
New technology is a substitute for careful and continuing parental guidance. Ensure your teen obeys the graduated licensing laws enacted in many states like Virginia. Restrict night time driving, especially for new drivers. Driving is always more dangerous in low light conditions.
And, stand firm! Let your teenager know there will be serious consequences if you learn he has acted irresponsibly behind the wheel. If and when you later learn that your child has failed to follow your driving rules, carry out the promised penalty or punishment. It's the only way he'll know you mean business and that he'd better modify his behavior or lose his driving privileges.
For more information or help with your automobile accident case please contact our Petersburg accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Call our Petersburg, Virginia office at 804-733-3100, or our Richmond office at 804-643-3100 today to discuss your rights with an attorney.
Teens are inexperienced drivers. At the same time, they are often overconfident about their driving skills. They are easily distracted, chatting with passengers, listening to the radio, or using cell phones. Given their youth, most have not lived long enough to develop the kind of sound judgment most mature adults have acquired after driving for years or decades. Some teenagers yield to temptation and show off in front of friends taking risks no reasonable grown-up would take. Some think using seatbelts is for sissies and that speeding shows how cool they are.
What's a parent to do? Believe it or not, activist parents do have a few options, some of which didn't exist when I was growing up. You're probably familiar with placards on the back of some tractor trailers that list a phone number you can call to report a trucker's bad driving. Well, some parents are now placing stickers on the rear bumper of their children's cars which give a toll free number. If a passing motorist sees a teen driving erratically or dangerously, the motorist can dial the 800 number to complain, and the complaint will be forwarded to Mom or Dad.
Some insurance companies offer their customers programs that provide in-car cameras (DriveCam) that can be installed inside a teenager's car. Next thing the parents know, they've gotten an E-mail reporting that the in-car device indicates their son or daughter has been in an accident or has engaged in inappropriate driving behavior. Some parents even use DriveCam for "training purposes." They sit down with their child and review the film footage, discussing ways in which the young person can become a better and safer driver.
Many of us use in car GPS systems for directions to a new doctor's office, to a restaurant, or to a stranger's house. But, did you know some auto insurance companies provide clients GPS tracking tools which notify parents when their teenage drivers disobey a pre-set speed limit, drive at night after a curfew, or drive beyond prescribed boundaries?
New technology is a substitute for careful and continuing parental guidance. Ensure your teen obeys the graduated licensing laws enacted in many states like Virginia. Restrict night time driving, especially for new drivers. Driving is always more dangerous in low light conditions.
And, stand firm! Let your teenager know there will be serious consequences if you learn he has acted irresponsibly behind the wheel. If and when you later learn that your child has failed to follow your driving rules, carry out the promised penalty or punishment. It's the only way he'll know you mean business and that he'd better modify his behavior or lose his driving privileges.
For more information or help with your automobile accident case please contact our Petersburg accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Call our Petersburg, Virginia office at 804-733-3100, or our Richmond office at 804-643-3100 today to discuss your rights with an attorney.
Labels: motor vehicle accidents