- Take driver’s ed and defensive driving courses to learn the basics of driving safety and reduce car insurance rates.
- Set ground rules such as a curfew, no texting and driving, distance limits, and limited passengers.
- Encourage positive driving habits by modeling good behavior and educating your teenager on the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding, and texting.
- Utilize technology to monitor your teenager’s driving habits and receive alerts if they are driving aggressively.
- Practice safe vehicle maintenance to ensure the car is in good working condition.
As a parent, seeing your child grow up is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. However, as they approach the age where they can legally get behind the wheel, the feeling of worry can sometimes outweigh the proud ones. As new drivers, teenagers are highly vulnerable and inexperienced on the road. That’s why providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to stay safe on the road is essential. This blog post will review tips and resources to help your teenager become a safer driver.
Take Driver’s Ed
Most schools offer driver’s education courses that students can take to learn the basics of driving safety. These courses typically consist of in-class instruction that covers road signs, rules of the road, and driving laws, as well as road practice with an experienced instructor. Aside from providing valuable information, driver’s education classes can lower car insurance rates.
New drivers can also take online defensive driving courses. These can be a great way to review the basics of driving in a more convenient and accessible way. The course should provide a comprehensive overview of driving safety with a particular emphasis on defensive driving techniques and strategies. It can also reduce traffic ticket fines, lower car insurance rates, and remove points from your license.
Set Ground Rules
Whether your teenager is driving their car or borrowing yours, setting ground rules is crucial. Discussing these rules with your teenager can set expectations and encourage them to think critically about their behavior on the road. Here are some tips:
a. Curfew
Most states have a curfew for teenage drivers, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. Setting a strict curfew for your teenager can help prevent them from getting into dangerous or distracting situations on the road.
b. No Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. Ensure your teenager knows that it is never acceptable to text and drive.
c. Distance Limits
You want to ensure your teenager is driving in areas they’re familiar and comfortable with. Set limits on how far away from home they can drive and which roads they are allowed to take. This will help them avoid getting lost or driving in areas they’re not familiar with.
d. Passengers
The presence of other passengers can be a major distraction for new drivers. Limit the number of passengers in your teenager’s car and ensure they know not to drive with any passengers that may be distracting.
Encourage Positive Driving Habits
One of the best ways to help your teenager become a safe driver is to encourage positive driving habits. You can do this by modeling good behavior, like wearing a seat belt, checking for blind spots, and obeying traffic signals. Also, educate your teenager about the dangers of texting and driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding.
Monitor Progress with Technology
Technology has advanced significantly in the past decade, providing parents with an excellent way to monitor their teenagers’ driving habits. Some tech services that offer car monitoring capabilities are OnStar, SmartDrive, and Life360. These technologies can keep track of speed, location, and driving safety. Additionally, they can send alerts to your phone when your teenager is driving aggressively, straying from a designated driving area, or speeding.
Practice Safe Vehicle Maintenance
Lastly, safe driving is not just about the driver but also the car. Ensuring the vehicle is in good working order can distinguish between an accident and a safe trip. Ensure you get your teenager’s car serviced regularly, rotate tires, change oil, and replace brake pads when necessary. It also helps teach them the basics of vehicle maintenance, such as checking fluid levels and tire pressure. This will give your teenager the confidence to handle minor issues on their own.
As parents, you must equip your teenager with the right tools to become safe drivers. This includes teaching them the rules of the road, establishing ground rules, encouraging positive driving habits, monitoring their progress with technology, and practicing safe vehicle maintenance. By taking these steps, you can help your teenager navigate the dangers of the road and set them up for success behind the wheel. Remember, a little knowledge and guidance can go a long way in promoting safe driving practices.
