As parents, we strive to keep our children safe, especially when we’re behind the wheel. However, some parents may have bad driving habits that could put their teens at risk.

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, parents’ driving habits can influence their children’s driving behavior and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common bad driving habits. When parents constantly speed, their teens may think that it’s okay to do the same.

As a result, teens may not fully understand the dangers of speeding and may be more likely to take risks while driving.

Tailgating

Tailgating is another bad driving habit that could influence teens. When parents tailgate, their teens may think that it’s acceptable to follow other vehicles too closely. This could lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and unfortunately, it’s become more common in recent years. Parents who use their phones while driving or engage in other distracting behaviors can send the wrong message to their teens.

As a result, teens may not understand the importance of focusing on the road.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving includes behaviors like weaving in and out of traffic, cutting off other drivers, and honking excessively. When parents engage in these behaviors, their teens may become more aggressive and take risks while driving.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous bad driving habits. When parents drink and drive, they not only put themselves at risk but also their passengers and other drivers on the road.

Teens may see their parents’ behavior and think that it’s acceptable to drink and drive as well.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt

Not wearing a seatbelt is a bad driving habit that can be deadly. When parents don’t wear their seatbelts, their teens may follow suit. This could increase the risk of serious injuries or death in the event of an accident.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Running red lights and stop signs is a dangerous driving behavior that could put both the driver and other drivers on the road at risk. When parents run red lights or stop signs, their teens may think that it’s acceptable to do the same.

This could lead to serious accidents.

Talking to Passengers Instead of Focusing on the Road

Talking to passengers while driving can be distracting and could lead to accidents. When parents engage in conversations with their passengers instead of focusing on the road, their teens may not understand the dangers of distracted driving.

Not Using Turn Signals

Not using turn signals is a bad driving habit that could lead to accidents. When parents don’t use their turn signals, their teens may not understand the importance of using them.

This could cause confusion for other drivers on the road and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Road Rage

Road rage includes behaviors like yelling at other drivers, making obscene gestures, and following other vehicles too closely. When parents engage in road rage, their teens may become more aggressive and take risks while driving.