Your Teen May Not Be Ready to Drive
A study was released in the spring of 2015, detailing the very real problem of teens and distracted driving. What it told us is that the problem is much worse than originally known or even suspected. What it showed was that distractions were contributors to accidents in 60% of moderate-to-severe crashes involving teenagers.
With this information in hand, it is more important than ever for parents to determine if their teens are really ready for the open road. Simply turning 16 may not be enough to allow your child to get behind the wheel. Parents and guardians must decide if their teens are responsible enough to earn their driver’s license. But how? Read on for a few tips.
- Following the Rules
Many teenagers find no difficulty in following the rules of the household. Other teens can’t even make their beds without an argument. Which type of teenager do you have? If your child cannot follow the simple rules you have set for your home, do not expect them to be able to follow any rules you lay down for the car and driving.
- Hold a Job
If you are the type of parent or guardian that will have your child pay for their own gas and all or part of their insurance, you should make sure that they are able to keep a job. Even a part-time job after school or on the weekends shows that your teen is mature and responsible. If your child cannot keep a job for more than a week, you can’t reasonably expect them to contribute to the upkeep of a vehicle.
- Grades
Driving a car is a privilege, not a right. Tie the privilege into something that you expect from your teen. For example, many parents and guardians require that their child maintain certain grades in order to be granted the ability to earn and keep their driver’s license.
- Desire
Believe it or not, some teenagers don’t want to drive. If you have one of these kids on your hands, don’t push them into sitting for their driving exam. If your teen does not feel like they are ready to get behind the wheel, don’t force them. A persistently nervous child behind the wheel of a car will be distracted by too many emotions to be able to drive safely.
Only you and your teenager can determine if 16 is the right age to secure a driver’s license. Keep in mind that the most important thing is your child’s safety. If you don’t feel like they are ready, have a discussion about why and make a plan.
If you or your teen has been injured in a car accident, contact our offices today. Our car accident lawyers in Austin will review your case at no cost to you. Call now.