The summer is here and more and more teens are hitting the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) parents are role models for what teens will and won't do while driving. The NHTSA recommends setting standards early for your teens and following those standards yourself to set a better example.
As reported by the DMV, traffic accidents occur more often with teen drivers between the ages of 16-19 than any other age group. This is a major concern to highway officials and parents alike. As a parent, you can help to decrease the chances of your son or daughter being injured in a car accident or causing one.
The NHTSA recommends the following standard for teenage drivers:
Set the Standard
Even before your teenagers begin to drive, he or she will mimic what they see you do. If you are driving through the streets of Illinois with one hand on the wheel and the other texting your friend, your children will get the messages that this behavior is okay.
Talk to Your Teens
Talk to your teenagers about safe driving practices. It isn't enough to assume this will be covered in drivers ed. According to the NHTSA research shows that teens do listen to their parents although at times it doesn't appear so.
Spell out the Rules
Even with the best intentions, unfortunately, there will be drivers on the road who won't practice safe driving. Accidents will happen. If you or your teenager has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced Illinois car accident attorney to fight for any and all compensation deserved.