3 Things That Teen Drivers Must Know!

This morning, I was rear ended by a teenage driver with my toddler in tow. What a way to start the morning.

Out of the car steps a lovely young woman who obviously had a heavy foot or was in a hurry. She was polite but nervous and unaware of what to do next. She called her mother to get directions on,” What to do in an accident."

I asked this teenager driving this vehicle for her contact information. She had no idea what information I might need from her. Instead, she brought me a stack of papers including the operation manual for her vehicle as well as others that looked like previous vehicle service records. I wonder how many of our teenagers are driving and have no idea of what to do in the event of an accident.

Okay, parents, here is the basic information that your teens must to know if they are in a car accident.

1. Exchange Information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened.

2. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information. They may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.

3. Call an adult at the scene of the accident.  Parents can provide the clarity and information necessary for the other driver.

We all have additional information that we might add to the list but this is the basics that all teenage drivers must know.

Additionally, I have searched the web and located two great Web sites for parents of teenage drivers.

1. The first is www.parentingteendrivers.com

This site was created by a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents. The site gives parents the important questions to ask their teenage drivers before granting permission to drive. Parents can obtain an agreement that each teenager and parent must sign in order to permit the freedom of driving.

I liked this approach because it helps our teenage drivers to understand that driving is a privilege that comes with incredible responsibilities.

2. The second is http://www.parentsofyoungdrivers.com/ .

The purpose of this Web site is to help prepare teenager drivers have safe driving experiences. This site is a wonderful resource for parents wanting to share some of the best new driver’s education information with their child.

What are your favorite resources to help our teens drive more safely? Weigh In.

Live fully,

Mia

www.findingdefinitions.com