How to Teach Your Kid to Drive Defensively

To your kid, learning to drive is a major milestone. For you, though, it can be a scary time, especially given that statistics show that a significant number of young drivers are involved in serious car accidents. In fact, in 2022 alone, nearly 3,000 teenagers were killed in accidents, and more than 225,000 were injured.

Although that can be stressful to think about, there are steps that you can take to try to keep your child safe.

How to teach your child to be a safe driver

There’s a lot that goes into building a defensive driver. Here are some skills that you’ll want to teach your child to keep them safe out on the road:

• Allow for at least three seconds’ worth of distance between yourself and the driver in front of you, which will allow your child to take evasive maneuvers to avoid an accident or safely come to a stop when the vehicle in front of them slams on the brakes.
• Frequently check mirrors and surrounding to remain cognizant of vehicles and hazards that are in their car’s vicinity.
• Assume that other drivers will operate in erratic and unpredictable ways.
• Obey the speed limit, even when it feels too slow.
• Avoid distractions, which may include putting a phone in the glove box or center console to avoid temptation.
• Identify escape routes when surrounded by other vehicles.

What should you do if your child is hurt in a car accident?

If, despite your best efforts, your child is injured by a negligent driver, then you should consider taking legal action. A successful personal injury lawsuit can lead to the recovery of much needed compensation, which could offset the losses that you and your child are facing. So, if you find yourself in this position, then you may want to consider how to best pursue a personal injury claim that protects your and your child’s interests.