The moment you’ve been dreading his or her entire childhood has finally arrived. Your teenager is ready to begin driving. For many parents this realization is a difficult and frightening one, but did you know your teenager has been learning how to drive for years? Studies show that children learn by example, so if they’ve been in the car with you, they already know a few things before they ever turn the keys.

The Mississippi personal injury attorneys at Richard Schwartz and Associates urge parents to drive safely and cautiously. As children approach driving age, they will pay more and more attention to your personal driving habits. Even if children and teenagers are instructed against a bad driving habit, when they observe a parent or guardian performing the very action they have advised against, there’s a 65% chance the action will be repeated by the teenager when he or she is driving on their own.

So what can you do to ensure your children learn safe driving habits? Go through the motion yourself, and always drive with caution. Discuss and educate your child on the rules of the road, and always lead by example.

Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi advocates safety while driving. Many of the car wrecks that come into our office could’ve been avoided with attentive, responsible driving. Here is our five-point checklist on things to remember when driving:

1. Refrain from using a cell phone while driving.
2. Always use your turn signal and give proper warning times to other drivers.
3. Always drive the speed limit.
4. Exercise caution when pulling through intersections and onto busy roadways.
5. Maintain your calm and avoid aggressive/road rage like actions.

Remember Mississippi, every time you get into your vehicle with children they’re studying your driving behavior. Children learn by watching and by example, so always make sure you set the right example for young minds. Help Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi make our state a better place to live today by educating your youth on proper driving techniques and habits