Back to school safety tips for your teenage driver

Knowing your teenager is out on the roads can be a scary thing for a parent. As well as for new teenage drivers themselves. Although, many teenagers have a tendency to have an “I’m invincible” construct about them, it’s important that you remind them of the dangers of driving, and how incredibly important it is for them to practice safe driving skills. Of course, it’s important to practice safe driving at all times, but things can get especially hectic when summer is over and it’s time to go back to school. There is more congestion on the roads with school buses, school zones, kids walking home, and hurried parents and teenagers rushing to get to the school on time. Things can get a bit crazy, which is why we’re going to go over some of the important back to school safety tips that we think you should share with your teenage driver.

Be careful at drop off and pick up

Different schools have different rules when it comes to drop off and pick up. There are various procedures, routes, lines, etc., and it’s important to make sure you follow the guidelines they have in place to ensure that things run smoothly and efficiently, and most importantly to make sure that no one gets hurt. According to the National Safe Routes to School Program, more children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location.

Watch out in school zones

School zones can closely relate to the various guidelines of dropping off and picking up, but it’s important to remember that whenever you are near a school, you are near children running around and walking home after school is let out. Don’t forget that young children have a tendency to not be as aware of moving cars on the road, and are more likely to wander into the street and be put in danger. School zones are put into place for this reason, and if a child wanders into the street and a car comes speeding by, it is more likely that they will not be aware of the car, or that they will simply freeze in fear than if it were an adult in the same situation. On top of the dangers that can come with not obeying school zone laws, Dallas attorneys can vouch for the fact that a ticket for disobeying the laws of a school zone is not something you want on your record.

Get some rest

There are multiple studies showing that driving without an adequate amount of sleep is on the same level as driving while intoxicated. We don’t suggest pulling all-nighters before a test, but if you happen to have done so, catch a ride to school with someone who is well-rested.

Seriously, wear your seatbelt

We know, we know, you hear it all the time. But there is a reason you hear it all the time, it will save your life. It really only takes a second of not having your seat belt on for something to happen, which is why it’s really important that you buckle up from the second you sit in the car. Even if you have confidence in your own driving skills, the problem is, you can’t control other people on the road, and if someone hits you, your seatbelt will save you from a lot of pain, and possibly from death.

Carpooling is great, but don’t overdo it

Carpooling is an awesome way to prevent more congestion around schools, and it is great for various other reasons as well. But during a teen’s first 12 months of driving, passengers shouldn’t be riding along unless it is with a supervising adult. And after you have over a year of driving experience, when we do say you should carpool, we don’t mean you should stuff all of your friends into your car. When a teenager is driving, the risk of an accident increases exponentially with each passenger that is in the car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a teenager’s risk of crashing increases by 48% with every added passenger.

Overall, the most important and general guideline you should follow, is that you stay focused and deter from any possible distractions while on the road. If you or one of your loved ones has been involved in any sort of accident, you may be looking for a Dallas personal injury law firm. Here at Rad Law Firm, we are a passionate team of experts that is eager to help you get back on the right track. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us today.