Road trips are something of a rite of passage and many new teen drivers love the idea of heading for the open road during summer vacation. If your teen driver hopes to try a road trip this summer, here are some ways you can help your teen avoid a Miami car accident while on the road:
1) Make sure your teen has the driving skills to handle a road trip. If your teen just recently got a driver`s license, he or she may not have the experience to easily avoid Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents. Consider having your teen take additional lessons and defensive driving lessons before the road trip.
2) Help your teen plan a safe road trip. Talk with your teen about passengers. A few additional passengers can help your teen stay safer on the road, but too many passengers may be a distraction. Discuss passengers and the safest routes to take on the road. Talk to your teen about the supplies they need to take for a safe road trip. These might include a first aid kit, a cell phone, maps, and other supplies.
3) Make sure your teen knows how to stay safe. Set some ground rules to ensure that your teen does not take unneeded risks, such as driving distracted. Give your teen an option to get home safely. For example, make it clear that you will come get the group, no questions asked, rather than risk having your teen drive under the influence or drive in dangerous conditions. Arrange a regular check-in time when your teen can call in to let you know he or she is safe. Consider arranging a GPS device with your teen so that you can keep track of the car`s route.
4) Get your teen`s car checked. A well-functioning car can reduce the risk of a Miami traffic accident because a well-maintained car responds correctly. Take your teen`s car to a trusted mechanic to ensure that the car is in good enough condition for a road trip.
5) Have back up plans. Make sure that your teen knows what to do if plans change. If there is a road closure or another problem, for example, make sure that your teen understands alternative routes to take. You don’t want your teen lost and driving in unfamiliar areas.
6) Consider extra insurance. If your teen will be headed outside of US borders or state borders, make sure that he or she has extra car and health insurance in case there is a problem.
7) Take a practice run. Consider driving along with your teen as your teen takes a longer drive. This will reassure you about your teen`s driving ability before he or she takes the trip. If you notice any problems – such as distracted driving or a need for more driving lessons – you can address these issues before the trip.
If you or your teen are injured in a Miami traffic accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your case with a South Florida personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for more compensation than you realize – compensation that can help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries.