We are one year out from the infamous first car crash so I can talk about it now. It was inevitable, right? All my Mom friends of older kids told me it was just a matter of time. For us, it was three months after she got her license.
My memory of the events might be different from my daughter’s. I thought I was incredibly calm and collected. You can be the judge.
Beach … or Bust?!
I’d been telling my 16-year-old that she needed more experience on the highway before she could drive it by herself. Our mid-day Wednesday trip to the beach seemed like a great time for her to practice. Unfortunately, the white van barreling down the interstate thought differently.
She was merging onto the highway from what we call on the East Coast the “cloverleaf” and the van came out of nowhere. Unfortunately, the breakdown lane was almost non-existent since the exit to the next road was right in front of us. She made a sharp right-hand turn right into the concrete Jersey Barrier and popped both tires.
The Good News, Great News & Old News
Good News – no damage to the body of the car! From the sound of the impact I thought for sure that the entire side of the car would be smashed in. I guess the sound of the tires being punctured was the terrible noise that we heard.
Great News – I was there! I kept telling her, “No one was hurt,” as she cried uncontrollably. Followed by: “Cars can be fixed. I’m glad I was here. Imagine this happening and you being by yourself?”
Old News – I channeled my calmest voice possible and immediately flashed back to my own discretion when I was a young driver. Borrowing my sister’s car in PA to go visit my boyfriend in NY, I literally turned the first corner when my cassette tape fell on the floor. I made a very bad decision to reach for it and crashed into a neighbor’s mailbox. At least she didn’t do something stupid like that, right? Imagine, still listening to cassette tapes. 😉
What can we all learn from this that will be helpful for all parents of new drivers?
Tips for Surviving Your Teen’s First Car Crash
1) It’s going to happen. Don’t freak out!
2) Encourage practice even after they get their license.
Teens think they are invincible. I’m soooooo glad I was there. I think it helped teach that driving, especially on the highway, is a serious thing.
3) Invest in a junker car.
I always thought teens having their own cars was crazy. But, now that we’ve experienced the first accident and run through my mind what it could have cost, I completely understand why you might want to get your kid an inexpensive car to bang up!
4) Be thankful every time they come home safe.
I know you are, but be extra thankful…every time. Each time I think what could have happened, I thank God that we all were safe.
5) Practice, practice, practice.
Oh, did I already say that? That’s because I meant it, Make them practice!!!
