Teen Drivers and Parental Responsibility: What Every Parent Needs to Know

The topic I am going to discuss today is something that most parents have searched for at least once. And it is: teen driver safety

You see, road accidents are a major concern not only in New Jersey but also globally. And some of the key contributing factors include:

• Human errors.
• Poor road conditions.
• Weather conditions.
• Vehicle defects.

Traffic crashes may happen each day, but it’s disheartening for any parent to see their teens or young adults lose their precious lives. 

Teen drivers face a lot of challenges, and finding solutions to protect them is integral. In this article, I will look at the critical role every parent should play and keeping teenage drivers safer behind the wheel.

Hi. In today’s blog, I will talk about the key reasons to work with the top rated accident attorney in New Jersey.

So, if that’s what you want to know, you have come to the right place! Therefore, keep on reading till the end, and thank me later…

Teen Driver Safety: Why Teen Drivers Are At the Greatest Risk 

Young drivers are in the greatest danger of getting killed or injured in an accident. This is something many parents know but hate to reflect on, especially when the teen is behind the wheel every day.

Factors such as inexperience on the roads, poor decision-making, peer pressure, drunk driving, and distractions lead to road accidents. 

Fortunately, there is no specific age one must start driving, and parents should play a significant role in curbing road calamities. Here are incredible ways parents can make a difference: 

Be a Role Model

One of the things that you must keep in mind when you want to ensure teen driver safety is your involvement.

At all times, parents can and must be involved in their teens’ driving. It spurs them to be better drivers by watching how carefully their parents or guardians drive.

Their appropriate involvement will partially lessen the driving problem and develop better drivers and passengers. 

Parents must model safe and responsible driving, which includes observing traffic laws, minding other road users, and being keen on the wheels.

A responsible parent should keep the following in mind:

• Wear a seat belt always
• Never allow alcohol in the car or drink and drive
• Stay within the speed limits
• Never talk, eat, text, or do anything distracting while driving

Set Rules and Be Supportive 

Children will fancy driving when they see their parents at the wheel, and their habits should be reflective.

Once the teen gets their learning permit or license, get in the car with them as they practice and offer guidance. Parents must set specific rules, and they must be followed strictly. 

Further, set the driving time limits and help the teen gain experience. Make it clear the number of passengers the teen should drive with until they gain experience and can drive safely. 

Know the Teen Driver Laws in Your State

You must know and understand the graduated driver licensing (GDL) regulations in your state. This will include the limitations and laws on teen drivers who have specific permits.

Parents must learn about their own legal responsibilities for providing supervised driving experience to teenagers. 

In New Jersey, teen drivers must abide by the following:

• They can’t drive between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am
• Must ONLY have one additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent 
• They cannot use cell phones or electric devices
• Must display red GDL decals on their cars
• Undertake a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving

Always Check Out the Car 

Parents must ensure their teen’s cars are in good and safe condition. Assess the safety ratings of the vehicle and work with a mechanic to inspect the vehicle.

Ensure the car has the safest features and can safeguard the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. 

Take the Initiative: Work with the Best Car Accident Attorney

Parents must take the initiative and prepare their teens to be safe drivers, which can be lifesaving.

Besides establishing strict rules, educating the teen, and creating trust, parents must keep the conversation going by working with a car accident attorney.

An experienced, licensed, and supportive attorney will help parents and their teens understand car accident laws in New Jersey. 

A reliable attorney will help a teen establish liability when an accident occurs, determine fault, and identify liable parties. They will make it effective to pursue compensation and protect the teen’s legal rights.

Ultimately, together with the teen’s parent, the attorney will help address unique teen driver issues and help raise a responsible driver. 

Teen Driver Safety: Follow The Regulations!

When a teenager drives for the first time, the situation is very emotional in their life, but at the same time, it also means that there are some risks involved.

Parents are definitely the most important people who can make the difference in a child’s understanding of the need for safe behavior. In order to do that, they need to:

• Set clear rules.
• Demonstrate good conduct to the child.
• Know and follow the New Jersey Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) regulations.

On the other hand, even after observing all the safety measures, incidents may still happen. It is thus imperative to find a reliable and experienced car accident lawyer.

The right legal representative not only can help you to protect your teen’s rights but also ensures that you will be prepared in case of any unforeseen situation while driving.

In case you were searching for the ways to ensure teen driver safety, I hope that this blog has been of help to you.