Don't Rely Solely on Driver Education
High school driver education introduces your teen to driving, but it doesn't make them safe drivers. Young drivers tend to overrate their driving skills and underestimate their risks. That's why you should take an active role as a parent and teach your teen how to drive. Plan for practice sessions under different driving situations, such as night driving, driving in bad weather, driving on freeways, and driving in heavy traffic.Make a Rule of No Drunk Driving
Make it clear to your teen that they are not allowed to drink before driving, even if it's just one drink. Their inexperience, coupled with drunk driving, is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you don't drink and drive, either. Teens who've seen their parents drink and drive are much more likely to do the same.Choose Vehicles with Safety in Mind
You should keep safety in mind when choosing a vehicle for your teen. Consider heavier, larger vehicles, as they are safer to drive. Avoid high-horsepower models because they might encourage teens to speed. You want to choose a car with top safety ratings, side airbags, and electronic stability control.Implement a Driving Curfew
Your teen driver is at risk of being involved in an accident at night rather than during the day. States have different rules surrounding new drivers. For example, in Texas, teen drivers are only allowed to drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless they're driving from work or are accompanied by a licensed adult driver.Consider creating your own rules that limit when your child can drive. This can be particularly helpful for teenagers who are just learning how to drive. As the teen gets better at driving over time, you can gradually lift the restrictions.
Consider a Monitoring Device
Using monitoring devices is another way for teen parents to keep their young drivers safe. These devices notify you if your teen is indulging in dangerous driving habits, such as speeding, abrupt acceleration, and non-usage of safety belts. This will significantly reduce the teen's risk-taking behavior behind the wheel.Teach Defensive Driving
Another way to keep your teen safe on the road is by teaching them defensive driving. Defensive driving teaches them to anticipate hazards, avoid accidents, and make smart decisions while driving. This helps them recognize and avoid dangerous situations before they happen.Control the Keys
Teens who have a car at their disposal or can easily access one have more than double the chances of getting into an accident compared to those who share a car with family members. When a teen has to request to use the car, it creates room for a conversation between them and their parents. This includes talking about their driving plans: where they're going and when they'll get back.Encourage Two-way Communication
Monitoring your teen is the best way to keep their driving in check, but it's not enough to keep them safe. You want to encourage two-way communication so they can be free to talk to you about anything. When teens feel comfortable talking to you, they're more likely to share their concerns and ask for advice.Limit Passengers
Teen drivers are more likely to get distracted when they have passengers, especially other teenagers. Friends in the car can talk, play loud music, or even encourage risky behavior like speeding. This makes it harder for an inexperienced driver to focus on the road.As a parent, you should restrict the number of teenage passengers riding in your teenager's car until they have more driving experience.
Keep a Tidy, Distraction-Free Car
Keep the car as tidy as possible to reduce distractions. Loose items like water bottles, bags, or even a phone sliding around can take a teen's focus off the road. To stay safe, encourage your teen to keep the car tidy and organized by practicing the following:- Throwing away any garbage
- Removing any dangling objects from the dash
- Keeping the dashboard and seats clear
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