Every parent worries about their teenagers and how they’re driving. The first three years of driving is a challenge for every teenager and their parents. Be proactive! Take the initiative and discuss driving with your teen before they are allowed behind the wheel. Richard Schwartz and Associates of Jackson, Mississippi supports safe teenage driving habits. Here are some tips for discussion that we suggest you address with your child before they get on the road.

· Wear A Seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt exposes young drivers to potential serious injury, not to mention it is illegal in the state of Mississippi. Safety belts when used properly reduce the number of serious traffic injuries by 50 percent and fatalities by 60-70 percent.Always wear your seatbelt, and teach your teen to do so as well.

· Do not Text and drive. Texting and driving is becoming a huge problem among American teenage drivers. Texting while driving is distracted driving, and dangerous. It takes approximately 20 seconds to compose a text message, while a serious car wreck can happen in less than 10 seconds. Not paying attention to the road could cost your teen, discuss texting and driving with them today.

· Focus on the road and traffic around your car. During the first two years of driving, staying focused on traffic and the road conditions can be very difficult. Help your teen identify signs, and how heavy traffic works. Teach your teen to watch the road and surroundings, don’t forget to set a good example!

· Maintain Safe Distances between Vehicles. The three second rule is one of the best ways to maintain proper driving distance. Using this rule is easy, pick a stationary object by the road. (A street sign, overpass, or tree) Count from the time the car in front of you passes the object to the time you pass the object. If it’s less than three seconds, you’re following too closely.

· Abide by the speed limit. The signs posted on the sides of the roadway are there for a reason. This is speed that can be safely maintained on the road according to the law. Going more than five miles an hour is very illegal, and will get you ticketed. Set a good example for your children, and always maintain the proper speed limit for a road.

Richard Schwartz and Associates of Jackson Mississippi advocates safe teenage driving and open communication with teenagers and their parents. Being actively involved with your teenager can make all the difference. In Mississippi, the amounts of young drivers are increasing. That means your child is going to be on the road soon. Set a good example for your children, and discuss the risks of driving with them before they’re on the road. Having an open relationship about their driving habits could save a life!