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By the time children reach adolescence, they have become physically and psychologically mature enough to recognize many of the potential dangers around them and to take steps to reduce the risk of injury. However, new dangers arise as they engage in more daring behavior.
In particular, adolescents should be warned about the potential dangers of using alcohol and drugs and of engaging in reckless behavior such as unsafe sex. In addition, teenagers learn to drive and need to become aware of the consequences of reckless driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By virtue of their age and lack of experience, adolescents may be more likely to underestimate potentially hazardous or dangerous driving situations (e.g., driving with an intoxicated driver, running a red light). Parents should serve as role models for their teen drivers while ensuring that their teenager gets adequate supervised on-the-road training.
Additionally, parents should choose a safe vehicle for their young teenager and control access to that vehicle. Adolescents also should be made aware of the dangers of speeding, not wearing seat belts and driving while intoxicated. Risky teen driving behaviors, traffic violations and automobile accidents are less common when parents impose limitations.
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