Parenting a teenager through their first car collision

December 3, 9:45 PMSF Driver's Education ExaminerTim Karo

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Do you remember those days when you were involved in an accident with your parent’s car, you then tried to hide it from them, and eventually told your mom. Her response  ranged from: “You’re grounded” or “wait until  your father gets home”, then the yelling, ranting and raving occurred and you couldn’t drive again until you had your own car.

 Now your kids are driving and they run the risk of being involved in an accident as well.This could be a minor  fender bender or a major crash that could result in injuries or death. If this should happen to you and your child within their first six months of him or her receiving their drivers license, or at any point there after. Hopefully we haven’t turned into our parents by reacting in a manner as they would of, and  this article may help to make a difference in providing an alternative response.

When you first learn of the collision, it’s important to:

1. Stay calm, no matter what when you see the car for the first time and assess the damage, do not yell, or scream no matter what.

 2. Ask your child if they are “ok” even though you know they are, a car wreck is traumatizing, quite possibly a near death experience. Your son or daughter is probably shaken up and yelling and scolding will not help under any circumstances.

 3. Once your child has talked about what happened, and eventually settled down and the sigh of relief is obvious, then give them the phone and have them call your insurance agent to begin the claim process. When that has been completed, the next step is to find an auto body shop, for a repair estimate, which your child will coordinate, specifically the time and day for dropping the car off.

 4. If you child is employed they will need to pay the deductible and make other transportation arrangements, like riding the bus or their bike while the car is being repaired, which could take several weeks. If they aren’t employed then theywill  need to make arrangements to pay off the deductible costs, most likely that will be anywhere from $250-$500 dollars.

5. When it’s time to pick up the car, take your son or daughter with you and see what happens, when you offer them the keys to drive. You have taught them several valuable lessons pertaining to privilege and the responsibility that comes with driving.

As a parent, you didn’t turn into your parents whom in all likelihood would of came to the rescue,  You have taught your child several lessons about accountability and responsibility that comes with driving.