If you have a teenage child, then you probably know just how stressful it can be to see your young one drive alone for the first time. A large portion of accidents result from driver inexperience; in fact, the National Safety Council estimates that nearly half of all teenage drivers will be in a wreck before they graduate from high school.
Fortunately, you can reduce the likelihood of your teen getting into a crash by teaching safe driving etiquette. According to the NSC, education plays an important role in accident prevention, and it begins before your child even leaves the driveway.
If you or your teen has sustained injuries in a car crash, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal-injury lawyer from our practice can assess your case to determine if filing a lawsuit would be in your best interests.
With the right approach, you may be able to recover lost wages and medical expenses that stem from the collision. Call us today at 319-393-1020 to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, read on for some tips to help your teen stay safe on the road:
1. Wear a Seatbelt
Always instruct your teen to buckle up before he or she starts the car. The driver should make sure all your passengers have done the same. Remind your child that the driver is responsible for the safety of all the people in the car.
2. Use a Head Rest
Drivers should always adjust their headrests accordingly. This will limit the impact of whiplash in the event of a crash.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the top of the head restraint should reach the top of the head. Drivers should also position their head restraints as close to the back of their heads as possible.
3. Follow All Seat Guidelines
Do not allow small children or friends who are not tall enough to sit in the front passenger seat. This is particularly important if the front passenger seat has an airbag.
While airbags can save lives, they can also cause serious injuries to people who are not big enough. All children and shorter teens must always sit in the back seat.
4. Do Not Overload the Car
It may be tempting to fit as many friends as possible into your vehicle, particularly if you are the only one with a license; however, according to TeenDriving.com, this will only serve as a distraction to you while you are on the road and may cause a crash with serious injuries. Only fit as many people in your car as there are seatbelts.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle
Keep your car in good condition. This means you must take it to a certified mechanic for regular servicing. Make sure your tires are always inflated to the correct pressure, keep your windshield clean and always have enough gas in the tank to get you where you need to go.
If you or your child was injured in a crash, contact a Cedar Rapids personal-injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. You can reach our office at 319-393-1020.
