Learning how to drive is a major milestone in a teenager\u2019s life, symbolizing expanded independence and widened opportunities. While parents are often excited to see their teens reach this noteworthy landmark, their enthusiasm is naturally mixed with a bit of apprehension.<\/p>\n
The road can be an unpredictable place for drivers of any experience level, which is why it\u2019s especially crucial for new motorists to develop and practice safe driving habits from the start.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re the parent of a newly-licensed or student driver, it\u2019s important to take steps that\u2019ll help your teen understand which habits will work to keep him\/her safe and which risky tendencies are best to avoid.<\/p>\n
To help you out, here are a few ways you can assist your son or daughter in cultivating the right patterns on the road:<\/p>\n
As teens prepare to start learning how to drive, they\u2019ll be more interested in observing their parents\u2019 habits in the car. The most important thing a parent can do is lead by example. While most experienced drivers bend the rules from time to time, try your best to follow all the laws and guidelines you\u2019d expect your teen to abide by.<\/p>\n
Here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
While each state has different laws regarding when driver\u2019s ed is mandatory, enrolling your son or daughter in a trustworthy, state-approved driving school is almost always beneficial, especially for parents who are dealing with busy schedules.<\/p>\n
Parents play an integral role in teaching their teens how to drive, but not every parent is a natural teacher who has ample time to teach someone the complexities of the road. Because of this, many parents find that utilizing a professional driver\u2019s ed program helps balance the responsibility. Driving instructors are specially trained to teach state and national road laws in a way that\u2019s engaging and effective, and most driving school vehicles are equipped with ample safety features, helping to give you peace of mind.<\/p>\n
Additionally, teen car insurance is notorious for being expensive, but some insurance providers may lower rates if the adolescent completes certain driver\u2019s ed or advanced driving school requirements.<\/a><\/p>\n The education and guidance you provide doesn\u2019t have to stop when your teen becomes a licensed driver. Continually driving with your teen and providing advice will help him\/her continue to strengthen safe driving habits, and it\u2019ll also allow you to monitor in which areas your child is getting lackadaisical or could use more practice.<\/p>\n Additionally, it\u2019s important to give your son or daughter guidance regarding situations not yet experienced. For example, if your teen took driver\u2019s ed during the summer, the instructor may have mentioned a bit about how to stay safe in the snow without being able to provide hands-on training.<\/p>\n This is why it\u2019s important to practice driving with your teenager if you feel the situation is something that requires more in-depth skill than he\/she currently possesses, such as driving during inclement weather or navigating narrow mountain roads.<\/p>\n Many states have implemented graduated licensing laws for teens. These laws are designed to minimize distractions while teenagers slowly acclimate to driving independently. Since new drivers lack experience operating a vehicle without supervision, gradually introducing situations that could divert their attention helps them solidify their skills at a safer pace.<\/p>\n Restrictions involve curfew limitations on the times they\u2019re able to drive, the amount of peer passengers they\u2019re allowed to have in the car, and if\/how they\u2019re able to use their cell phones.<\/p>\n It\u2019s helpful to familiarize yourself with the local teen driving laws so that you can encourage your child to follow them as necessary.<\/p>\n Part of safe driving is ensuring the car that you\u2019re operating is in good mechanical health, as basic maintenance can prevent roadside emergencies. It\u2019ll also minimize the need for expensive repairs.<\/p>\n By showing your son or daughter important maintenance measures, such as when to get the oil changed, how to adjust tire pressure\/change a tire, and how to read warning lights\/indicators, you\u2019ll help your teen become self-sufficient at caring for a vehicle.<\/p>\n Parents can track their teen\u2019s driving habits by utilizing automotive telematics, a technology that monitors driver behaviors, such as if someone brakes too hard or accelerates too quickly. Some telematics apps will even give drivers detailed feedback on what they can do to improve their driving.<\/p>\n This can be especially beneficial to parents of newly licensed drivers, as they can see how their teens are driving when they\u2019re not being supervised. Parents can then use that information to talk with their teenagers about any risky behaviors that need to be addressed as well as to commend positive habits.<\/p>\n On a similar note, telematics have shown to reduce the likelihood of collisions<\/a>. Because this results in fewer insurance claims being filed, some insurance companies will lower the rates of drivers who use their telematics systems and consistently demonstrate good driver behavior.<\/p>\n When your son or daughter first gets his\/her license, you may naturally feel uneasy about him\/her driving without your guidance. To help keep your teen safe and put your mind at ease, consider drafting up a driving contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n These contracts help keep teen drivers accountable to their families by clearly stating what rules they need to follow in order to continue to have the privilege of driving. These should include local laws as well as boundaries imposed by parents.<\/p>\n Common items to address are:<\/strong><\/p>\nPractice Driving with Your Teen Whenever Possible<\/h3>\n
Stay Informed about Teen Driving Laws<\/h3>\n
Demonstrate Proper Vehicle Maintenance<\/h3>\n
Utilize Automotive Telematics<\/h3>\n
Draft Up a Driving Contract<\/h3>\n
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