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Seatbelt
Teens buckle up far less frequently than adults, so be sure to reiterate that fastening your seatbelt should be the very first thing you do before keys are even in the ignition.
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Texting
Cell phones, the radio and other passengers are all major distractions. Every second a teen takes their eyes of the road could be an opportunity for a terrible accident. Cite examples of recent car accidents from texting while driving to further establish this danger.
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Drinking And Driving
It's important to stress that no one under the age of 21 should be drinking. But, let them know to make the right decision and have a designated driver or call for a ride home.
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Defensive Driving
Teens need to be hyper-sensitive to all surroundings, since their brain is not fully developed. They must not only be aware of how they're driving but how others drive too so collisions are avoided.
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Penalties
Talk about the fines associated with tickets, and let them know they will be responsible for any monetary repercussions and attending traffic court.
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Roadside Emergencies And Maintenance
Go over what to do and whom to call in an emergency. Make certain they have roadside assistance and insurance information readily available. Also, teach them about basic maintenance to ensure they schedule regular oil changes, tire rotations and inspections and always check that they've changed the wiper blades.
Having that first conversation is only the start, so go over these points with them regularly to make sure they make good decisions. Visit tricoproducts.com for additional help on driver safety and regular car maintenance.