Norfolk, Hampton Roads, & Other Virginia Parents: Is Your Teen Driving the Safest Vehicle?

When your child begins to drive, a number of worries can overtake you, including the risk of teenage injury in Norfolk car accidents or Virginia wrecks. Knowing your teenager is driving a safe vehicle can eliminate some of the stress associated with teenage driving. For help choosing your child's first car, read the following tips for selecting, purchasing, or handing down a vehicle (adapted from the Hampton Roads website).

Before purchasing a vehicle:

• Ask yourself if your child is mature and responsible enough to drive safely on the roadway. Take into account your child's temperament, and don't be afraid to make your teen wait for the privilege and responsibility of driving, whether due to the need for maturity or more practice in a safe enviroment.
• Ensure that your teen is properly trained. Whether your child takes a driver's education course at school or learns elsewhere, it is essential for your teenager to receive proper training, education, and experience before navigating Virginia roads. Keep in mind that many options for driver education exist in Norfolk, Suffolk, and other areas in the state.
  
• Set the example for your teenager. Whether your diving habits are good or bad, your teen will pick them up. It's crucial to drive safely and defensively not only for your teenager's safety, but also for your own.
  

When choosing a vehicle:

• According to AAA, Consumer Reports, and other experts, passenger cars are great first vehicles since they "have predictable handling in emergency situations." A hand-me-down family sedan is likely a good option for your teen's first car.
• Avoid SUVs, pickup trucks, and sports cars. Since SUVs and trucks tend to have a higher center of gravity, they are more difficult to handle and more likely to rollover, and sports cars pose an obvious risk-- the temptation to speed.
• Review the car’s crash-test rating online, listed for free at the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Keep electronic stability control, the number of air bags (the more the better), and anti-lock brakes at top priority in your search.

For more resources and information on teenage driving, Norfolk car wrecks, or Virginia accidents, contact car accident attorney Lawrence Land online or toll-free at 800-800-1911. He will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.