Tips for Keeping Your Teen Safe While They are Driving
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers and teenagers account for almost 25%
of all traffic deaths. That is why it is essential that we instill the proper safety guidelines and proper driving habits in our children. There are a number of ways that parents can reduce the risk of their teenager being involved in an automobile accident.
It is important to limit your teenagers distractions while they are driving. They should not be using their cell phone at all while they are driving. Additionally, you need to make sure they understand that using iPods, eating and applying make-up are also dangerous distractions.
It is also important that parents consider the maturity of their teenager when they become eligible to receive their drivers license. Just because a teen can legally obtain their drivers license does not mean that they should. Reinforce that driving is a privilege and not a right and that when they demonstrate mature behavior then and only then will they get their license.
Parents should be a positive role model for their children and teens when they are driving. Many teens will mimic the habits of their parents behind the wheel and if those habits are bad that can be dangerous. Teens do not understand the concept of you being a more skilled driver than them so it is important to driver responsibly when they are with you, even before they reach driving age.
It is important that you remember that although your teen may pass their driver’s test that doesn’t mean that they are an experienced driver. Make sure you still stay on top of them, teach them and outline clear consequences for driving recklessly. Additionally, create restrictions on the use of the car and how many people they can drive with.
Make them responsible for the car they are driving. Have them pay for some of the cost associated with the car such as, insurance, gas and maintenance. Additionally, have them pay for the car that they will be driving by either saving up half the cost or making payments to you for a car that you have purchased for them.
Keep track of where they are going with the car and let people that you know around town that they are out on the road. When they get their license initially limit their car use to closer distances and when or if you hear of them driving poorly take away their privileges temporarily.
Check their car for signs of misuse or poor driving habits. Look for signs of body damage and excessive wear and tear on the tires and brakes. Take notice of signs that they have been driving while eating or driving with groups of other teens.
Sometimes being a parent involves you being the bad cop. It is our job to protect our teenagers from themselves. Teens often use poor judgement and have the misconception that they are invincible and it is up to us make them responsible.