Whether your teen is heading back to high school or commuting to college, he or she could benefit from a back-to-school safe driving refresher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motorists ages 16 to 19 have more serious accidents than any other age group.
Remind your young driver about these tips to avoid hazards and prevent serious auto accident injury during the busy new school season.
Always wear a seatbelt
Teen and young adult drivers are less likely to wear seatbelts than older adults. Set a good example for your kids by wearing your own seatbelt whenever you drive, a practice that dramatically reduces the chance of debilitating injury or fatality in a collision.
Abide by license restrictions
Connecticut has special rules for drivers ages 16 and 17. Prior to age 18, licensed teens must stay off the road from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. unless traveling to or from work or a school or religious event, or because of medical necessity. They cannot ride with passengers who are not relatives
Pay attention to surroundings
Refresh your teen’s memory about the importance of being aware of pedestrians, especially as many younger children walk to school. They should always stop at crosswalks and behind school buses. Driving distractions pose a major danger for teen drivers. As with seatbelt use, set a good example for your teen by putting your smartphone away when you drive your vehicle.
These three safety strategies can reduce your teen’s risk of involvement in a serious auto accident this school year.
