How to Ensure Your Teen Knows What to Do in Case of an Automobile Accident
Every parent of a teen driver fears receiving a call telling them that their child has been in an automobile accident. Thankfully, many accidents involving teens are minor, but that doesn't mean parents shouldn't prepare their teens for such an occurrence. If you are a parent of a teen driver, make sure they know exactly what to do if they are involved in a car accident.
Know your teen's risks
Before your teen gets behind the wheel, it's important to discuss with them the risks that they face and ways they can mitigate those risks. Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for teens ages 12-19. Beyond this sobering statistic, it's important that your teen understands the behaviors that can cause an accident, such as speeding, taking risks in poor driving conditions, and texting while driving. Any distracted driving, including talking to their friends or listening to music, could lead to an accident, so teach them to be aware and lower their risk of becoming distracted while driving.
Educate your teen about insurance
Make sure your teen understands the basics of how insurance works. There's a reason why teen drivers cost more to insure, so explain to your teen that it's important to try and limit their risky driving behavior so they may be able to save money on their premiums. If they are in an accident, even a minor one, they need to know what to do so that their insurance can process any claims appropriately. Go through the process for documenting the accident, from calling the police to taking pictures of the damage for insurance purposes.
Be prepared
Being in an accident is stressful, even for adults. Don't expect your teen to remain perfectly calm, especially if they feel that they caused the accident. It's a good idea to make a list of the things your teen needs to do after an accident and keep this, along with a copy of your insurance card, in the glove compartment for quick, easy reference. The exact steps they take will depend on the severity of the accident, but should include the following:
- Keep safety a priority. Call 911 if anyone appears hurt, and move out of traffic as soon as possible to stay safe while waiting for the police.
- If the accident was minor, snap a few photos of the placement of both cars, then move them. Police won't always come out to process a minor accident, but if your teen is unsure about whether to call them, have them make the call anyway. For insurance purposes, it's best to have a police report, but your insurance company may process your claim without one if the accident was minor.
- Remind your teen to never admit or accept responsibility for the accident, even if they feel it was their fault. They aren't experienced enough to make that call, but the police can.
- When they talk to the police, remind them to stick to the facts and be respectful. Anger or accusing the other driver won't help them, but staying calm can make the process less stressful for everyone. Also, advise them to avoid apologizing to the other driver. This could be considered an admission of guilt or responsibility, so they should simply exchange information with the other driver regarding insurance and contact details.
- The only information the other driver needs is your teen's name, address, telephone number and insurance company's phone number. They should never give out their social security number to the other driver or the police because they don't need it.
Remind them to stay calm
Accidents are stressful, but a minor fender bender can become a more serious issue if your teen panics or loses their temper. Have them assess the situation, deal with the details, then call you if they need to have the car towed so you can come and pick them up.
No one plans to have an accident, but if you help prepare your teen for one, they will be better equipped to manage the situation if it occurs. Click here for more info on how you can protect your teen from accidents.
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