Three Behaviors A Parent Should Model To Prevent Their Teen From Getting Into A Connecticut Auto Accident

It may be hard to believe but the person that a teen driver is most likely to emulate behind the wheel is their parent.  While parents of teens may find this too incredible to believe, it is true and therefore our behaviors behind the wheel may be indicative of how the teenage drivers in our home operate a vehicle.

When a teen gets behind the wheel they are more likely to get into a Connecticut auto accident than those who are over the age of 20 for a number of different reasons.  The first is that they are the most inexperienced drivers among us.  Experience driving is a good indicator of how safe a driver will be behind the wheel.  Another reason is they feel invincible and therefore don’t worry about driving too fast or being distracted behind the wheel.  While we know that excessive speeding and being distracted while driving are two key indicators of how safe you are driving, teens ignore these issues.  

So what can a parent do to help their teen be a safer driver?  The simple answer is to model good behaviors behind the wheel.  If you’re driving with your teen in the car (or even alone) you should model the following behaviors so your teenager can emulate them when she/he is behind the wheel.

1. Obey the speed limit.  It can be tempting as an experienced driver to set the cruise control well above the speed limit, but we know that excessive speed can cause accidents to become more severe.  Set this good example for your impressionable teen driver by following the speed limit.
2. Eliminate all distractions.  Teen drivers have a tendency to be distracted by their cell phones, the car radio, and passengers.  You can model good behavior around this by making sure you have put your cell phone away and by always keeping your eyes on the road while driving.
3. Wear your seatbelt.  Parents can model this behavior that will save their child’s life if she/he is ever involved in an auto accident.  Simply wearing a seatbelt will help limit the damage done by a Connecticut auto accident.   

Teenagers would be mortified to follow your lead on just about anything.  You would never find them in clothes you would wear or listening to the music you like, but there is one thing where you are the best model of good behavior that they have and that is setting an example behind the wheel.  Spending time modeling good behavior will help your daughter or son learn how to behave when driving a vehicle.

If you or a loved one were injured when behind the wheel you may want to seek an attorney to review your case.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will work with you to protect your long-term interests.