Teenagers and West Palm Beach Car Accidents, Part 2: Preventing Teen Driving Accidents.

Is your teen a new driver? You probably feel both proud and scared. Florida ranks third in the nation for teen driving deaths. In 2009, 153 teens died in Florida car accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Florida teenagers. Regardless of driving conditions, all new drivers, even straight-A students or good kids, are more likely to be involved a fatal Florida car crash than older, more experienced drivers. You can read more about the causes of teen driving accidents on our article, "Teenagers and West Palm Beach Car Accidents, Part 1: Is Your Teen At Risk?"

All teen driving accidents are preventable and parents can make a difference. These tips from Craig Goldenfarb, an auto accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, can help you keep your teen safe.

1. Talk to your child about safe driving. Let your child know that car accidents cause more than two-thirds of teen deaths. Talk about drinking and driving and distracted driving and let your child know what your expectations are.

2. Practice driving with your teen. Experience will make your child a better driver. Driving with your child allows you to notice both good and bad driving habits.

3. Set an example. You are your child's role model. If you use a cell phone while driving, your child will take this as permission to do the same.

4. Set rules. Talk about why you have made the rules and the consequences for breaking them. Write the rules and consequences down in a teen driving contract and have your teen sign the agreement.

5. Don't allow your new driver to drive in high risk situations. Until your teen has more driving experience, limit or ban night time driving, driving in high traffic and driving with teen passengers.

6. Make seatbelts a requirement. Make sure your teen and any passengers wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts offer the best protection in a car crash.

Did you know that your teen driver may be blamed for his accident even if he was not at fault? If this happens, you may need from an auto accident lawyer in West Palm Beach. Contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb at 800-GOLD-LAW to schedule a free legal consultation or download a free copy Craig Goldenfarb's book, What the Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know.