Tips to Prevent Teen Driving Deaths

I read an article that stated the number one cause of death among teens was car accidents. That got me thinking that I should write an article with tips on how we as parents can help prevent teen driving deaths. Here are some tips you can use with your teens:

1. Don't let your child drive before they get their permit. I can't tell you how many parents I know who let their 12 and 13 year olds drive their car down the street. Teens may get confused and think they have your permission to take the car out for a spin one day when they get home from school and you are not there. They think they already know how to drive so there is no harm it in. One argument they will give you is, "you let me do it before�". You would be surprised at the number of teens who have died driving a car without a permit or license.

2. Communicate with your teen early. Don't wait until your child is a few months away from getting their permit to start talking about the responsibility of becoming a driver. Start discussing safe driving with your child around the age of 15. Teens die more often from car crashes than drugs or alcohol. Wouldn't it make sense to talk with them about safe driving as well?

3. It can happen to you. This falls under the category of, "It happens, but it won't happen to my family". Never think that this won't happen to your teen. Prepare them for safe driving and give them the best chance. Ignoring the odds won't save your child.

4. Create a parent-teen driving agreement. This will make driving rules in your house completely clear. The first thing you should include in this agreement is time of day. What time does it get dark and do you want your teen home by then? Second, what type of weather do you give your teen permission to drive in? Length of time should also be in the agreement. You don't want to restrict your teen from driving at night forever, but it would be a good idea to limit them to daytime driving for the first six months after they receive their license.

5. Set good driving examples yourself. Telling your teen, "Do what I say, not what I do�" doesn't work. If you want them to always wear their seatbelt, they you better be wearing yours. If you want them to pull over to use their cell phones, then you better pull over to use yours. If you don't want them to eat and drive at the same time, then you better not eat and drive at the same time. You get what I mean.