Teenagers are often the cause of death or injury in motorcycle accidents. Young drivers, new riders, and those without a license are the most common causes of these accidents. Allowing them too much freedom can be dangerous, but unfortunately, not all parents take their responsibilities seriously. You can get in touch with a motorcycle accident attorney following a motorcycle accident to protect your childβs rights. But it is also important to teach your children to drive safely. Here are 8 ways to prevent motorcycle accidents caused by teenagers.
1. Set a good example
Your teenage son or daughter will be more likely to follow your example than your words. If they see you operating motorcycles safely and responsibly, they are more likely to do the same. They also spend more time observing their parents than listening to what you have to say. Make sure you are sharing proper riding techniques, and make sure you are teaching them how to drive safely. If it becomes difficult to convince them, find a different hobby to occupy their time.
2. Don’t make driving fun
The fastest way to get young drivers involved in accidents is by making driving as much of a game as possible. Allow them to only drive when they reach a level of maturity and experience that allows them to do so without a second thought. Driving should become something they must do to get accustomed to responsibility.
3. Motivating them to be safe
If you get them on the motorcycle, ensure that they drive safely and instruct them to keep their distance from cars and other obstacles. If you know your teen is prone to speeding, ensure he stays a few miles under the posted speed limit when on the road. If you don’t know them well enough, teach them how to use their brakes effectively and how and when to use them. They need to develop the ability to stop a motorcycle effectively and safely.
4. Limiting their freedom
If you let your teens drive on their own, keep a close eye on them at all times. It’s easy for teenagers to convince their parents that they can handle situations that would make most adults uncomfortable, but this is also dangerous. They need experience while young, but they should not have driving privileges without you as an observer.
5. Make them drive defensively
Teach your teens how to ride strategically and defensively. They need to understand that they are not invincible, so they need to anticipate other drivers’ actions to avoid an accident. Teach them proper lane positioning for their riding style, and ensure it is consistent with the rest of your family’s habits.
6. Setting clear limits
If you will let them drive, set the boundaries beforehand. When they are behind the wheel, they need to know they are only allowed to drive if you agree. If you don’t plan to allow them to drive, make sure you talk it through with your family members. A motorcycle accident attorney will help you frame proper boundaries and help your teenager understand why they are made.
7. Be proactive
Teenagers are going to be curious and will tend to do things that may be dangerous. If you know that an awkward situation is coming up, prepare in advance to limit the damage. Ensure you clearly articulate your expectations and tell them what they need to do to get the okay to drive.
8. Talking it out
Don’t be afraid to discuss your fears with your teen. If you know an issue with their driving habits, ensure you get them to talk about it. Don’t sugarcoat anything, and make sure you are being direct about the consequences of their actions. You should also encourage them to talk about your behavior as a rider so that they can see both sides of the story.
If done properly, parent-child communication can reduce the number of motorcycle accidents caused by inexperienced drivers. If these 8 ways prove insufficient, talk with an attorney about the best way to ensure your family’s safety.
