Like most Tennessee parents, you probably worry every time your teenager heads out the front door with car keys in hand. The problem is your child doesn’t get to navigate roadways alone. Many times, problems arise because of other motorists.
A moment’s negligence on the part of another driver can change your child’s life forever. But if another person causes your child to an suffer injury in a motor vehicle collision, there are definite steps you can take to seek justice. Here are several tips to protect your new driver.
Avoiding collisions
It might be a relief when another driver in your house can help run errands or shuttle younger children to sports practices or play dates. On the other hand, safety is now at the forefront of your thoughts. The following list of safety tips is useful for all drivers but is especially pertinent to teenagers:
- Limit the number of passengers: More people in the vehicle increases the odds of being involved in a crash. Many parents set strict passenger limits or simply require the inexperienced drivers in their family to travel alone for the first six months to a year.
- Night practice is essential to safety: You might think that just because your child is now a licensed driver, he or she is ready for anything. Driving in the dark can be especially challenging, however, so it’s best to make sure you go along the first few times for practice. It’s wise to do the same when traveling during inclement weather conditions.
- Be mindful of your own driving habits: Children pay close attention to their parents’ actions, and if you are in the habit of driving above posted speed limits, you may be setting your child up for trouble if he or she follows your example.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your child has a way out if something happens that causes him or her to feel unsafe behind the wheel. Most parents and kids have cell phones nowadays, but if even if you don’t, provide your child with a number to reach you if a problem arises.
Should another motorist cause a collision that injures your child, you will have to be emotionally strong and supportive to help him or her recover. It’s never easy to witness a child’s suffering. During the recovery process enlist support from experienced attorneys to file legal claims.
