5 Essentials To Keep Your Teen Driver Alive
It’s back-to-school season again, and that means that high school and college-aged drivers will be taking to the road in droves.
The fact is, teens aged 16-19 are at higher risk for motor vehicle crashes than any other age group, and are nearly 3 times as likely to be in a fatal crash than those aged 20 or older. Between inexperience, lower rates of seat belt usage, phone distractions, speeding, and alcohol/drug usage, parents need all the help they can get when trying to keep them out of harm’s way.
While you can’t be with them in the passenger’s seat all the time, you can get them the best tools for making their rides safer.
Hands-Free Phone Holder
This one’s a no-brainer. You’re not going to convince them to not bring the phone to the car or to even ignore it, so you might as well make it so that they’re able to use it SAFELY.
Radar Detector
An often overlooked gadget, this is less for detecting adjacent law enforcement and more for alerting your teen driver of the speed they’re going, especially since it will audibly let them know when they’re approaching a speed limit.
Sensor System
Another overlooked accessory, this can visually and audibly alert drivers of when an object is too close, not to mention assists with parking. It’s very useful for older model cars you may have passed down to your teen that wouldn't have the bells and whistles today’s models come with. A good one will be able to withstand wet weather conditions, and some even come with intelligent sensors!
Seatbelt Cutter & Window Breaker Emergency Escape Tool
Another no-brainer, these are for use in emergency situations and can help escape a vehicle when all other precautions have failed. Fingers crossed, they’ll never have to use it!
Roadside Emergency Assistance Kit
Also for use in emergency, these are good to have on hand not only for your teen, but in case anyone near them needs assistance. They usually come with a first aid kit, jumper cables, fire starter, multi-tools, and more.
While you can’t be with them on every trip, you can at least ensure they’ll be okay from a distance and instill good habits from young. They’ll thank you later.
