Getting a driver’s license is an essential step for many on the path to adulthood. Yet, it is a worrying time if you are a parent. Every day you turn on the news and see another example of people injured or killed on California’s highways.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle crashes kill more teenagers than any other factor. Six die every day across the nation. Here are some things you can do to avoid your child becoming part of those gruesome statistics:
- Limit what car they drive: Beginners do not have enough experience to handle powerful vehicles. Size matters too. An SUV will protect your child and anyone else inside it in a crash. However, it will do much more harm than a smaller car if they hit a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. If they seriously injure or kill someone, they would have to live with that for the rest of their life.
- Restrict where they can drive: Driving to school is one thing. Taking the car to a party where there may be alcohol or drugs is another.
- Restrict when they can drive: They should avoid driving at night or peak hours until they have built up enough experience to cope with the extra risk posed by other drivers at these times.
- Limit passengers: More people in the car means more distractions. There may also be a temptation to show off and drive recklessly.
You cannot control the actions of other drivers. You can only prepare your child as well as possible. If your child is injured in a California motor vehicle crash, seek the help of an experienced attorney.