Using Technology to Help Teens Form Safe Driving Habits
As children evolve into teenagers, driving is a rite of passage that every teenager looks forward to. However, there is a dark aspect of this bright spot in every childhood. Here in America, teen motor vehicle crashes, unfortunately, lead the way among all teenage fatalities. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 2,000 teenagers, or six everyday, were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2015. Cars are getting smarter and teens face bigger distractions every day as technology continues to evolve – yet teens have been learning how to drive in the same way for many years. Between temptations such as drinking and driving, texting, and social media apps, the statistics are not necessarily surprising – but the great thing is that they are totally preventable.
According to the Florida Times-Union, one Jacksonville high school is leading the way on making sure that its teen drivers utilize technology in learning safety skills prior to getting behind the wheel. Thanks to a generous donation, the students at Wolfson High School will be learning to drive on the Apex Virtual Vehicle (AVV) driving simulator. The AVV helps new drivers form safe driving habits by breaking down the science of crash prevention into individual techniques that are repeated until muscle memory and competence develop. Drivers utilize a unique cockpit that is built specifically for driver training.
What Is the Advantage of Teens Learning to Drive with a Driving Simulator?
- Teens learn in a controlled environment without real-life distractions.
- It ensures that other drivers are safe.
- It’s a natural transition for teens who have grown up with video games.
What Can You Do to Protect the Teens You Love?
Even without a driving simulator, you can help the teenagers in your life stay safe. The first step is educating yourself so that you can educate them.
Keep the line of communication open. Make sure that you have open and honest conversations about all the potentially dangerous aspects of driving, including alcohol and drug use.
Cut the reigns…within reason. Your child should feel like he or she has freedom to make decisions autonomously when it comes to driving.
Monitor his or her behavior. You watched your children play on the playground to ensure that they were safe, and now you should watch to ensure their safety as they enter this new milestone in their lives. If you see them doing something dangerous while driving, be vocal.
Be a good example. Children of all ages mimic actions, not words. Make sure that your own driving behavior sets a good example for the teens in your life.
Spend time teaching your teen to drive. This is a great opportunity for you and your teen to bond. Don’t rely solely on the driver’s education program that your teen is enrolled in for his or her driving education.
Set limits. Begin by allowing your teen to drive during daylight hours on back roads, away from busy traffic intersections and highways. Gradually build up to situations where he or she has to drive around more cars.
Use technology. Make sure your teen never drives without a cell phone – just in case.
Has a Teen You Love Been Injured in an Accident? Contact Us Today.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a teen motor vehicle accident, the auto accident attorneys in Orlando at The Pendas Law Firm can help. We have been assisting clients in Central and Southwest Florida recover since 2004 and have extensive experience helping people like you. Begin by contacting us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Fort Myers, Tampa, Bradenton and Daytona areas.
Resources:
apexresourcecenter.com/index.php/virtual-vehicle/
jacksonville.com/news/20181010/on-road-virtual-teen-driver-training-system-to-help-jacksonville-students
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
