Parents of newborns and toddlers think that those years are the hardest to endure. Parents of teenagers claim otherwise, citing that the years when their children are learning to drive are far more stressful.
When your teen is learning how to drive, it’s a huge milestone, one that likely brings them excitement and freedom. However, these tips can help you and your teen on the road ahead.
Show Them by Example
If you want your teen to be a good driver, show them by demonstrating safe and responsible driving behaviors yourself. Obey all traffic laws and your child will be more likely to copy the example you set.
Emphasize Safety
Your teen may roll their eyes as you explain why you shouldn’t roll through a stop sign for the 1,000th time. But you should keep at it—these rules of the road keep everyone safe. Refrain from shouting when they’ve made an error. Instead, show them how to handle the situation in the future.
Give Them Lessons on Driving in Bad Weather
No one can control the weather. There will be times when you have to hit the road when it’s raining, snowing, or foggy. As they learn to drive, take your teen down less traveled roads to help them learn how to handle these weather conditions.
Show Them How to Identify Problems
Vehicles with balding tires, low tire pressure, or other issues can be unsafe. Show your teen what to look for to prevent them from getting on the road with a potentially dangerous problem on the vehicle.
Emphasize Just How Dangerous Distracted Driving Can Be
Distracted driving can have deadly consequences, which is why it’s imperative your teen understands not to take their eyes off the road. While smartphones and other devices are huge distractions, the radio and infotainment center on your vehicle are also capable of distracting them. They may be fiddling with the controls to pull up GPS directions and not pay attention to what’s on the road in front of them.
Additionally, other behaviors such as eating, putting on makeup, or talking to other passengers can lead to distracted driving. It’s important to discuss all of these potential hazards with your teen driver.
Have the Talk About Drunk Driving
It may be uncomfortable to bring up the topic of driving under the influence with your teen. However, it’s better to discuss it now than getting a call from the police at 2 a.m.—or worse, the hospital. The better your teen understands the consequences of drunk or impaired driving—especially the jail or prison time that could follow—the less likely they will be to get into this situation.
Teach Them What to Do if There’s an Accident
Go over in detail what to do if your teen gets into a crash. From calling the police to exchanging information with the other driver, make sure they feel confident in what to do.
In the event that your teen driver gets into a crash, obtaining legal counsel for car accident cases is the next step you should take. If you need help finding legal representation, contact 1-800-Injured. 1-800-Injured is a medical and attorney referral service that can connect you with local legal experts.
