Talk to Your Kids About Before They Get Their License-

Is Your Teen Ready for the Responsibility of a Driver’s License?

As the weather warms up, more and more teenagers across the country are learning to drive or excited about getting their license before summer hits. The freedom of driving comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of risk! In fact,15-20 year old drivers account for almost a full of all motor vehicle crash injuries despite making up only 14% of the population.

So, what can you do to help your teens stay safer on the road? It's your job as a parent to prepare your kids for one of the most dangerous times in their lives...these are seven things to talk to them about before they ever even get their license.

1. Drinking and Driving

You'd be surprised just how often alcohol is a factor in teen driving crashes and these accidents are 100% preventable. A nationwide survey in 2011 showed that 24% of all teens had ridden in a vehicle with an impaired driver in the last 6 months. Talk to your teens about drinking, driving, and drinking and driving and come up with a plan if they're ever in an unsafe situation. Your teens should understand the severe personal and legal consequences for driving while drinking and most states allow for no alcohol in the system of a minor who's driving, not 0.08%.

2. Seatbelt Use

One of the sadder statistics of teen driving deaths says that only 54% of teens wear their seatbelts when riding with another driver. Talking to your teens about driving doesn't mean teaching them about their OWN driving risks. Your teens should wear a seatbelt every time they're in a car or have their driving rights revoked.

3. Unsafe Driving

Unfortunately, teenagers appear to have less ability than adults to recognize danger while driving. Most fatal teen accidents happen at night and many are caused by speeding, following too closely, or driving in unsafe weather conditions. Talk to your kids about how to recognize and adapt to dangerous conditions and when it's best simply not to drive.

4. Taking a Driving Class

In many states it's required by law for teens to take a driver's education class before obtaining their license. Another benefit of these classes is a reduced car insurance rate, particularly appealing to kids who are tasked with paying their own. Defensive driving classes can help teach your teens about best-practices for safe driving and there are likely tons of classes available every month in your area.

5. Graduated Driver Licensing

Gone are the days when turning 16 meant free reign of the road. Many states have implemented GDL laws designed to reduce teenagers' risk on the roads, specifying everything from a teen driving curfew to how many teens are allowed in a car at any given time. Talk to your teen about your state's laws before they suffer the effects of a ticket or suspended lisence. Ignorance is not an excuse!

6. Socializing While Driving

One of the biggest risk factors in teen driving accidents is the number of people in the car. It's your right as a parent to set limits on your child's car capacity - maybe having only one passenger at a time can reduce the risk of your kid driving while distracted. Likewise, your teen should never, ever talk on the phone while operating a car because the job is complicated enough without added distractions.

7. Texting While Driving

Of course, the most talked about issue today when it comes to teens and accidents is texting while driving. Many states now have laws specifically prohibiting texting while driving but you should make sure to address this issue specifically. Texting and driving should be an absolute deal breaker in your family's vehicles.

It's tough watching your kids get older but if you have the information you need you can help to prepare them for the risks of adulthood. Driving a vehicle is a natural right of passage but with it comes all kinds of responsibility your teen may or may not be ready for. Talk to them to find out before handing over the keys.