When your children go off to college, you are probably excited to see a new independent phase of their lives begin. Like most parents, though, you likely have concerns about their safety, particularly when they are behind the wheel of a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers represent only 5% of all licensed drivers and yet account for 9% of all accident fatalities.
Safe driving practices can help to reduce the risk of a collision. Here are a few key topics to discuss with your college student.
Vehicle maintenance
When your child can no longer rely on you to provide vehicle maintenance, he or she may let some things slide. Talk to your child about the importance of regular maintenance to ensure that the car is in working order and behaves correctly in an emergency.
Drunk driving
You should emphasize the dangers of driving while intoxicated and provide tips to avoid getting into such a situation. Encourage your child to use ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft. Additionally, many college campuses have designated driver programs.
Cellphone use
Cellphones are quickly becoming the leading cause of distraction for motorists. Help your child set up a hands-free alternative so he or she can maintain focus on the road.
Emergency protocols
Your children must know what to do when they face an emergency while driving, whether that is an accident, flat tire or another scenario. Make sure they have all important contact information available in their vehicle.
Accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries that can have life-long repercussions. Compensation may be available to help your college student get his or her life back on track.