February 11, 2025 | Personal Injury
As a parent, handling the keys to a teenager is stressful. There is a very good reason for that: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that “the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group.” You can help to make your child a safer driver. Here, our Oklahoma City auto accident lawyers highlight five tips to teach your teenager about safe driving in Oklahoma.
Tip #1: Model Safe, Defensive Driving Practices for Your Teenager
Your teenager is going to learn driving, in large part, from seeing what you do. The research is clear: If you are an unsafe driver, it is more likely that your teen will become an unsafe driver. If they see you speeding all of the time, they are more likely to speed. Modeling safe driving behavior is one of the absolute best ways to instill proper driving habits.
Tip #2: Set Strict Rules on Speed and Cell Phone Use
You should establish clear, non-negotiable rules for speeding and using a cell phone while driving. In doing so, it is important to explain the dangers of distraction and the severe consequences of speeding. You should always Reinforce these rules with consequences if they are not followed. Speeding and distracted driving are two of the biggest risks for young drivers.
Tip #3: Practice, Practice, Practice
Another reason teenagers are more likely to get into an accident is their inexperience. Therefore, it is important to help them get the practice they need. Parents should schedule regular practice sessions in different settings and times of day to build their confidence and skill level. Of course, safety is always the top priority during any practice sessions.
Tip #4: Restrict Your Teen’s Vehicle Use in Difficult Driving Conditions
Teen drivers are more likely to crash during difficult driving conditions. Some of the most notable examples include poor weather, at night, and during very busy traffic. You can help to keep your young driver safe by limiting their time behind the wheel when conditions are unfavorable. For example, some parents keep their teen drivers off the road at night.
Tip #5: Remember that You Can Take the Keys
As a parent, you have control over your vehicle. You should never hesitate to remind your teen that driving is a privilege. It is not right. If you feel they are not following safety rules or showing enough maturity in their driving—whether because of speeding, distracted driving, or any other reason—you should be prepared to take away the keys.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At McGuire Law Firm, our Oklahoma City motor vehicle accident attorneys are skilled, aggressive, and driven to do right by clients. If your teen driver was involved in an accident, we can help. Contact us right away for a free, completely confidential case assessment. With law offices in Oklahoma City and Edmond, we serve communities throughout the region.