How to Help Your Teen Handle a Car Accident

Car accidents are every parent’s worst nightmare, and for good reason. Studies show that teen drivers face much higher rates of serious crashes than adults. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), seven teenagers are killed in a car accidents almost every day. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that the majority of fatal accidents involved twice as many men in comparison to women. So, it’s no wonder you feel a flurry of emotions and overwhelming panic when you think of your teenager getting into an accident. Though the realities of teen driving can be concerning, there are things you can discuss with your teen beforehand to keep them safe.

Many people give in to their fight or flight response and want to get as far away from the scene as possible – particularly teenagers who are scared, confused, and have never dealt with situations like this before. However, giving in to that impulse is the worst mistake they can make. Leaving a car accident without notifying authorities can have life-altering consequences that include criminal charges.

Instead, inform your teenager to stay put, assess the injuries of everyone involved in the accident, and call 911 for further assistance. When the police arrive, remind your child to stay calm and recall the moments leading up to the accident.

If the car is drivable, move the vehicle to the side of the road, or onto the shoulder of the highway, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set up any available flares or cones.

Both your teenager and the other parties involved should exchange names, driver’s license numbers, street addresses, and insurance information. Record the date, time, and location of the accident.

They should also take photos of the following things…

It’s not uncommon for teenagers to overshare information after they get into any form of trouble. Especially if it’s a car accident. But, oftentimes, your teenager isn’t fully at fault. Rather than accepting fault or blaming someone else for the accident, your teenager should only focus on the facts of what happened when describing the accident to the dispatcher on call.

The first thing most teenagers will think after getting into a car accident is: “My parents are going to be so mad!” Thinking they are going to get in trouble can cause teenagers to omit details or hide the whole truth from you or the police. However, that can get them into more trouble.

Instead, let your teenager know that you are here to listen and help. The most important thing now is to make sure they’re safe.

Car accidents – even minor ones without injuries – are scary, uncertain, and expensive. Instead of assuming the worst and acting out of fear or panic, start from a place of trust that everything will work out, as long as you stay calm and rational.