Tag: teen driver

It’s every teen’s nightmare: Getting in a car wreck and having to tell your parents. As if the accident weren’t bad enough, telling your parents adds another layer of conflict. You don’t want to let them down or risk punishment. However, being mature and honest can help you earn your parent’s trust and resolve the issue in a more timely manner.

Watch our video below to see how some of these scenarios work out, using hones, humble and candid responses.

 

Here is what is happening in our different approaches:

In Scenario 1, Daisy, our teen driver, is calm, gentle, and straightforward with the details. She prepares her mom for the bad news by telling her first that she has to tell her something she won’t want to hear.

Then, she gives the essential details in a calm, clear manner. This helps her mom to stay calm and reassured as well. By showing responsibility and giving her mom the important information upfront, Daisy’s mom takes those cues and doesn’t respond reactively.

In Scenario 2, Daisy is a little blunter and does not give as many details. Her mom reacts more negatively, but when Daisy tells her she is sorry, she is a little more forgiving since Daisy admitted responsibility.

In Scenario 3, Daisy doesn’t take caution, and her mom reacts. Notice that Daisy doesn’t give details about the accident other than rejecting blame. This causes her mom to believe she is irresponsible since she doesn’t admit any fault, nor does she apologize for the incident. While this is not necessarily a “wrong” way to tell your parents you were in an accident, it isn’t the most practical approach.

Other tips

Not every teen-parent relationship is the same and these conversations can go a hundred different ways. While we wanted to show the difference in tone and responsibility in the call, there are other factors to consider as well.

Call them on the scene

Your parents will appreciate you calling them as soon as possible. Call the police first if any party is injured, or the cars cannot be removed from the road. Next, call your parents.

Try to stay calm so you don’t escalate the tone of the call, as Daisy did in Scenario 3. If you’re both calm, you can make better decisions and take care of things quicker. Being hysterical will make the situation worse.

Try starting with this: “Mom, I’ve got some bad news.” Just like Daisy did in Scenario 1, starting with this allows your parents to mentally prepare for what you’re about to tell them.

Be as clear as possible

There are a few things your parents will want to know. Firstly, are you OK? Be sure to tell them if you’re hurt. If you’re just sore or shaken up, tell them this and tell them you think you’ll be fine.

Secondly, what happened? Try to explain what caused the accident. It could be as simple as “I lost control of the car,” or “I didn’t react fast enough to (insert other car’s action here).”

They will also want to know the condition of the car. What kind of damage it has (like the front is crunched, or the passenger-side doors are caved in) and how bad it is. This can be helpful if they’re meeting you at the scene, as another way to mentally prepare them for the reality of the crash.

Be prepared for a variety of emotions.

Your parents love you and want you to be safe. So they’re going to be conflicted whether to be mad that you acted unsafe (even if you didn’t mean to) and they’re also going to be happy you’re all right. They may be angry at the other driver. They may be happy you felt comfortable coming to them right away. Whatever the case, telling them is the right thing to do.

Share your location

Your parents may want to come to the scene if you’re close by. Having them there can be reassuring and helpful. Even if you’re embarrassed by the situation, it’s probably best to have them help you. As you saw in all three scenarios, Daisy’s mom is ready to head to the crash scene, and Daisy has sent the location address.

Offer to help with the damages, if possible

After the crash, it’s important to talk about who’s going to be responsible for paying for the damage. Usually, teens don’t have much money to repair the car, especially when they need it to get to work. So, many parents will either pay for it or compromise.

However, if you have an allowance, you could offer to put part of it toward repairs. The same can be done if you have a job. Depending on your income, you might be able to work out a payment plan for you and your parents to divide up the costs.

If you aren’t able to financially help with the cost of repairs, offer to make up for it in another way. You could take on more chores for a certain number of weeks.

Your parents will further trust you for wanting to take responsibility for the damage.

If you were being irresponsible, you may not want to tell your parents, but doing so will make them trust you even more. Recognizing irresponsible behavior and correcting it in the future will help you become a better driver.

Remember, trust goes a long way. Whether you admit it or not, you likely depend on your parents. You can help one another by communicating openly and honestly.

For more teen content visit our In the Front Seat teen driver page.

Driving Test Practice 2 (Intermediate)

This quiz is designed to help you pass the Texas state driving exam. Take the test as many times as you want, and find explanations to your answers after the quiz.

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Answer and explanations

How’d you do? Whether or not you passed with flying colors, it’s helpful to know WHY something is the way that it is. Here are the answers for this quiz:

1. At night, you should turn your high beam lights to low beam when…

Correct answer: All of the above

Explanation: High beams can reflect on precipitation in the air and make driving even more difficult. They also can have a blinding effect on other drivers, so it’s best to turn your high beams off whenever you are approaching another driver – both from in front and behind.

2. Areas of the road you cannot see in your mirrors are called _________.

Correct answer: Blind spots

Explanation: These spots are not visible unless you turn your head to look in that direction. Newer cars have detection for blind spots that make them less dangerous.

3. When a vehicle’s tires leave contact with the road and rise on top of water, it is called ___________.

Correct answer: Hydroplaning

Explanation: Hydroplaning is when you lose control of the vehicle because the tires are not gripping the ground. This is most common in the first 30 minutes of rainfall. Though it is not called a “water scoot,” your car is basically scooting on water. Drifting is different in that the tires maintain contact and traction, but the centrifugal motion allows the car to pull to the side, going a different direction than the tires.

4. In Texas, you must have your lights on a half-hour after sunset until….

Correct answer: A half-hour before sunrise.

Explanation: Usually, this time is somewhat bright outside and the streets and other cars are visible even before the sun breaks over the horizon. It’s worth mentioning that keeping your lights on all day can further prevent accidents, but it is not the law, as in this case.

5. It is illegal to park within 15 feet of ___________.

Correct answer: A fire hydrant

Explanation: Fire trucks need to have access to a fire hydrant in an emergency. They cannot use their hose to put out flames without it. If your car is in the way, it is preventing firefighters from doing their jobs in a timely manner. In fires, every second counts. It is not illegal to park near houses or mailboxes, though the postal service may leave you a note to park elsewhere so they can reach the mailbox.

6. Before changing lanes, you should…

Correct answer: Check your mirrors and look over your right shoulder to the rear

Explanation: While you should be looking all around you for other vehicles, physically turning in all these directions is dangerous. Mirrors make it easy to see what’s happening around you. And, of course, there’s your blind spot, where you’ll have to turn around slightly to check.

7. Following too close behind a vehicle is known as ___________.

Correct answer: Tailgating

Explanation: Tailgating is dangerous, but highly common on the road. Be sure to keep your distance with the car in front of you, to give you enough stopping time should that vehicle slam on the brakes.

8. A broken yellow line allows you to…

Correct answer: Cross over into the opposing lane to pass a vehicle, if it is safe

Explanation: Sometimes, cars in front of you may be going under the speed limit and holding up traffic. A broken-yellow line allows you to pass them on the left if no one is coming toward you. This can be dangerous. Be sure you can see far enough ahead of you to make sure you have time to pass.

9. When approaching a flashing yellow light you should…

Correct answer: Slow down and approach with caution

Explanation: A flashing yellow light usually means there is other traffic or pedestrians you may have to slow down for. Even though they shouldn’t cause you to stop, being unwary could cause you to get in an accident.

10. On a roadway with 3+ lanes, which lane offers the smoothest flow of traffic?

Correct answer: The middle lane

Explanation: The right lane is dangerous because people are speeding up and slowing down for getting on and off the freeway. The left lane is the fast lane, and often has people going in and out passing others. The middle is usually more constant and steady.

Answer and explanations

How’d you do? Whether or not you passed with flying colors, it’s helpful to know WHY something is the way that it is. Here are the answers for this quiz:

1. Which occupants of the vehicle need to be wearing proper seatbelts and safety restraints while the car is in motion?

Correct answer: The driver and all passengers

Explanation: While you may not be fined, as the driver, for passengers over 18 who aren’t buckled in the car, they can be ticketed for not buckling up. As the driver, you are responsible for your own seatbelt and those of kids in the car. But it’s always good to remind your passengers to buckle up in any case.

2. If a tire blows out, you should …

Correct answer: Keep the vehicle moving straight

Explanation: You have less control over the car when a tire blows out, so try to keep the vehicle as steady as possible. Don’t jerk the car to another direction or slam on the brakes. Slow down gradually, and when you do, slowly move to a safe spot on the side of the road where you can put on your spare tire or call for help.

3. Under Texas law, you may not park…

Correct answer: In any of the above

Explanation: Sidewalk and crosswalk paths are protected because vehicles are deadly to pedestrians. All of these instances provide a safe path where they can cross without unexpectedly getting in the way of traffic. You may not park in an intersection because it would interrupt the flow of traffic.

4. If you approach an intersection with no signs or traffic lights, you must…

Correct answer: Yield to vehicles on the right

Explanation: An intersection without signs or traffic lights can be dangerous. Slow to a stop and move after the person to your right.

5. In Texas, the speed limit in urban districts is ____ unless otherwise marked.

Correct answer: 30 mph

Explanation: If you can’t find a speed limit, staying under 30 mph is legal.

6. In Texas, if you intend to turn, you must turn on your signal at least _____ feet ahead of the turn.

Correct answer: 100

Explanation: A hundred feet is plenty of time for drivers around you to be aware of where you want to go. In an urban setting, if you put your blinker on too early, you’ll probably pass several turn-ins where other drivers might assume you’re going to turn. If you need a visual of what 100 feet looks like, here’s the slip ‘n’ slide equivalent.

7. When you approach a railroad crossing that a train is approaching, you must stop at least ____ feet from the tracks.

Correct answer: 15-50

Explanation: Trains do not have the ability to stop quickly, and are often going faster than you think. When the crossing arms go down, come to a stop a safe distance away. Allow yourself space in case of an accident that might push you into an oncoming train.

 

8. What is the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC)?

Correct answer: .08%

Explanation: Drunk and buzzed driving is extremely dangerous, as you’ve probably heard. That’s because your senses are distorted and your reaction time is much shorter. Never drive if you feel buzzed. If you’re unsure, get a ride home just in case.

9. If you are on a multi-lane highway, you should use what lane for passing?

Correct answer: The left or middle lane

Explanation: The left lane is intended for passing, though the middle lane works for passing cars on the far right lane.

10. To avoid a head-on collision, you should…

Correct answer: Steer right toward the shoulder or curb

Explanation: Steering toward the left could seem like a good idea if the vehicle appears to be coming at you. However, the car could correct at the last minute, in which case a crash would be unavoidable. Do not keep going straight. Your chances of a head-on collision are greater, which often result in a fatality. If you steer right, even if you have to drive off the road, it’s better than being in a head-on collision.

Taking the driving test is stressful. We’re here to help.

Statistically speaking, everyone gets in more than one accident in their lifetime. As a teen, your chance of having an accident is greater than everyone else. Ages 15-19 are also three times as likely to be in a crash than drivers 20 and older. Crash-prevention tips can literally save your life.

Here are a few simple things you can do to keep yourself safe on the road.

1. Turn on your headlights

Even when you can see fine, other traffic may not be able to see you in some situations. Leaving your headlights on during the day makes it easy for others to see you and possibly prevent an accident knowing where you are. This is an easy safety tip to follow, especially if you have automatic lights that you don’t have to worry about turning on and off.

2. Use your horn

It may be a little intimidating at first. Honking often sounds angry, and if that’s not what you’re going for, you may be reluctant to do so.

However, your horn is another useful tool to let cars know where you are. If a car starts to drift into your lane, a few quick honks will alert them to where you are.

To be safe, don’t lay on the horn for more than two seconds. Angry honking can lead to road rage, and sometimes confrontations from other drivers.

3. Keep your cool

On that same note, keeping your own head will help you make better driving decisions. People drive more aggressively when they are angry, and usually, that leads to impulsive and unsafe maneuvers.

Let the other driver lose their head. If you make angry gestures or lay on your horn, it will only escalate an unsafe driving situation.

4. Always have your phone with you

Though you shouldn’t be looking at your phone on the road, your phone is also a life-saving device. Map applications can help you get to safety if you are in an unfamiliar area. In an emergency, you can call 9-1-1 or someone you trust to help you as soon as possible. Weather alerts can let you know if you’re in danger of flood zones, a tornado, or other natural threats.

Be sure to use Bluetooth and hands-free applications while driving. But keeping connected can keep you out of a dangerous situation.

5. Slow down

You’ve heard it a million times. But this isn’t just because driving fast is dangerous. It’s also because it’s hard to stop or maneuver around a dangerous situation on the road. Think about in-town driving. The speed limit is 45 but the guy in front of you is only going 40. Even though the speed limit is 45, slow down to allow space between your vehicles until you can safely pass them. If you don’t, that person could brake suddenly, leaving little to no reaction time for you to hit your brakes as well.

6. Start slow

When you start to move at an intersection, don’t punch the gas. Instead, watch the cars around the intersection to make sure no one else is coming your way illegally. Starting slowly also allows you more time to spot pedestrians and bicyclists as well.

7. Watch the sides of the road

Similarly, looking out for people, animals, or debris in the road can help you prevent an accident. Seeing these obstacles ahead of time gives you more reaction time to slow down.

8. Never assume what a driver will do

People often leave their blinkers on unintentionally, signaling a lane change that will never happen. Many also change their minds at the last second. The best thing to do is to wait and let that person make a move before pulling onto the road or trying to pass them.

9. Stay in the middle lane

If you’re on a freeway, the middle lane is typically the safest. The fast lane can be dangerous because people use it to pass others. The right lane is often dangerous because of people merging and exiting the roadway. If you don’t need to pass or exit the freeway, just stay put in the middle.

10. Regular care and maintenance

While you might not think about this if you’re parents help you take care of your car, it’s important to know how to maintain it for the future. Keeping your tires inflated correctly, doing regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks can all prevent disaster later on down the road (pun intended). Take the time to care for your vehicle – you’ll wish you had if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire.