If you’re a parent, you know the anxiety that comes with wondering if your teen is driving safely. You can’t be in the car with them all the time, but there are things you can do as a parent to help ensure they’re driving safely.
Here’s some advice from our local body shop in Idaho Falls.
Things To Remember
A teenager sees getting their driver’s license as a step towards greater freedom — and that’s exactly what it is! But teenagers are still inexperienced drivers, even if they act like they know everything.
It’s important to communicate with your teenager about safe driving habits, and most importantly, to be a good role model yourself!
Tips On Teaching Your Teenager Safe Driving
Discourage Phone Use
This is probably the most important thing you can do to help your teenager drive safely. Cell phones are a leading cause of car crashes, and it’s important to set the example for your teenager by not using your own phone while behind the wheel.
Driving while on your phone is as dangerous, if not more so, than drunk driving.
Help your teenager understand that using their phone while driving is not only illegal in most states, but it’s also incredibly dangerous.
Set the rule in your house that no one uses their phones while driving, and enforce it by leading by example.
Limit The Number Of Passengers
Teen drivers are often distracted by their friends, and can be more likely to engage in risky behaviors when they are with other people.
To help your teen stay focused on the road, limit the number of passengers they can have in the car. For example, you may want to allow them to have one friend in the car for the first few months after they get their license, and then increase the number of passengers allowed as they gain more experience behind the wheel.
Discourage Nighttime Driving
Nighttime driving is particularly dangerous for teen drivers. In fact, half of all teenage driver fatalities occur between 3 PM and Midnight.
Help your teenager avoid nighttime driving by setting a curfew for when they need to be home. If they have to drive at night, make sure they are well-rested and alert, and that the car is in good working condition with the headlights working properly.
Mandatory Seatbelt Use
Make sure your teenager always wears a seat belt, and enforce strict penalties if they are caught driving without one. Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road, and can help prevent serious injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident.
Teach Them About Distracted Driving
Texting, browsing the internet, talking on the cell phone and other forms of distracted driving are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Help your teenager understand the dangers of distracted driving and make sure they know that it is never acceptable to do it.
Encourage Safe Driving Practices
Encourage your teenager to practice safe driving habits such as obeying the speed limit, not tailgating and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If they know that you expect them to drive safely, they are more likely to do so.
Make Sure They Understand the Consequences
Make sure your teenager knows that there will be consequences if they choose to drive unsafely. This could include losing their driving privileges or being fined. Help them understand that these consequences are in place to keep themselves and others safe.
If They Have Driving Anxiety, Help Ease Their Minds
If your teenager is anxious about driving, help them ease their minds by teaching them driving skills that give them confidence.
You can also take them on practice drives so they can get used to being behind the wheel.
Finally: Lead By Example!
It is so important to lead by example if you want a responsible teen driver. If you are always practicing safe driving habits, your teenager is more likely to do the same. So stay focused behind the wheel and be a good role model for your teen!
Contact Classic Auto Collision Center Today!
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