Keeping Teen Drivers Safe: Eight Tips

Police cruiser with vehicle stopped on a city street at night.

Inexperienced drivers are more likely to have accidents and get moving violations than other drivers. Most of these inexperienced drivers are teens who have just learned to drive and received their driver's licenses. Teaching teen drivers about the legal and physical damages that can happen due to careless driving is very important; adults, too, can often use a refresher course. Our legal subscription plans for individuals and families gives you access to experienced, dedicated attorneys who can provide defense for traffic violations, traffic accidents, give you advice on the most effective strategies, and advocate for you in court if needed. Here are a few tips for keeping your teen drivers safe on the roads:

Know The Traffic Laws Where You Live

Parents can set a good example for their kids by knowing and following all the traffic laws where they live, as teens often learn their driving habits by watching their parents drive. Explain the laws to your new drivers, sign your teens up for driver education courses, and, most importantly, lead by example.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The number one cause of auto accidents in the US is distracted driving, and teens without much driving experience are particularly susceptible to distractions. Avoid texting or using a smart phone while driving (it is actually illegal in many states and localities), and the use of a phone while driving can not only get you fined, but could also cause a serious accident, injuring or killing you or others. Explain these risks to your teen drivers and set a good example by turning off your phone when you're driving.

Never Drive Impaired

Underage drunk driving is a zero tolerance offense, meaning that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 in the US (22 in Canada) to have any alcohol in their system while driving. Driving drunk is incredibly dangerous and it is a criminal offense as opposed to a simple traffic infraction. Drivers who operate vehicles while impaired can face stiff fines, lose their license, incur legal fees, get a criminal record, and possibly face jail time.

Know How To Behave During A Traffic Stop

If you are being pulled over, pull safely off the road, switch on an interior light if it is after dark, and keep your hands on the steering wheel until the officer asks you for your information. Remain polite and cooperative, comply with the officer's requests (name, driver's license, proof of insurance, registration). Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. You do not need to consent to a search of your vehicle, but if the officer searches your car without your consent, tell the officer that you object to the search but do not physically resist the search. If you or your vehicle are searched without your consent, call your provider attorney as soon as possible.

Don't Try To Hide A Ticket

Make sure your new driver knows that tickets cannot simply be hidden or thrown away. Some teens try to pay off traffic fines on their own without telling their parents about the ticket, but it is important that you teach your new driver that hiding the infraction only makes the situation worse. Teens who pay the fines themselves can end up with points on their licenses and higher insurance rates. Failure to pay the fine at all can result in charges of failure to appear in addition to a conviction of the original violation. Failure to pay fines can also result in heavier fines and even having your license suspended.

Know What To Do In An Accident

Teach your new drivers that, in the event of an accident, they should pull safely to the side of the road if possible, and, even if the accident seems minor - or if another drivers asks them not to - the police should be notified and an accident report should be filed. Exchange information with any other drivers involved in the accident including contact and insurance information. Make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident, as well, if possible. Make sure to save all the information about the accident, and do not sign anything until you have spoken with your provider attorney. Never agree to any kind of settlement without talking to your lawyer first.

Make Sure Your Teen Understands Insurance

Driving means understanding the personal and financial responsibilities, and that includes insurance. Talk to your teen about the costs of insurance, what your policy covers, and what it costs in deductibles if there is an accident or how much your insurance premiums could increase if they get tickets, infractions, or points on their license.

Use Our App To Send Tickets To Your Provider Attorney

A feature of our app lets you take a photo of a traffic ticket and submit it to your provider attorney, or you can contact your provider attorney directly to get advice about a traffic violation.

Our legal subscription plans for individuals and families includes being able to get advice from your provider law firm on an unlimited number of topics, including any and all issues arising from traffic violations, tickets, accidents, insurance, and more. Learn more about this included essential benefit here, or sign up today!