While it may seem like just yesterday you were a teenager chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel and take off by yourself, many of us today have older children who may be about to drive or already are licensed and traversing the roads and highways. Keep in mind though that when it comes to a model for driving, they will, or have already been watching you their entire lives—from the time they were in the child seat—throughout all their formative years. And for most of us, there are many hours spent in the car each week, month, and year.
That means if you are continually yelling at other drivers, your child is taking all that in, but if on the other hand, you are patient and courteous, they are soaking that up as well. Here are some of the most important tips to remember when driving with your kids, and especially teens:
- Put down the smart phone. This may be something you find yourself saying to your kids often also, as they are glued to their electronics. But in the car, the smart phone can cause a catastrophic accident, and there are far too many drivers today engaged in making and taking phone calls, reading and sending text messages, firing off emails, fiddling with the GPS, and so much more (unfortunately, the temptations just from the tiny smartphone keep multiplying). There are also numerous other distractions that can take your attention from the road such as eating and drinking, brushing your hair or applying make-up on the way to work or an event, and even just engaging with passengers in an excited fashion.\
- Always stress that 100% of your attention must be given to the road for safety reasons. Anything less is asking for trouble and teach your kids the importance of yielding to pedestrians, along with being extra careful to watch for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
- You should always be alert and pull over to the side of the road or to a rest area if you begin to feel drowsy. You should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, prescription or not.
- Always wear your seatbelt, do not speed, and follow all traffic rules, following signals and signs.
- Teenagers and younger adults have a much greater chance of being in a car crash then someone older, and with that in mind, your new driver in the family must always be defensive and vigilant.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of others, please call the law offices of Andrew ‘Pike’ Piekalkiewicz, PLLC as soon as possible at (713) 748-7453 or visit AttorneySgtPike for a no obligation case review.
