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What Parents Should Do Before Their Teens Take the Driver’s Seat

The thought of your teens behind the wheel can be very scary for a parent. But in order to keep your teens as safe as possible, there are a number of things you can do before they hit the road on their own.

Be a Good Role Model
It’s always important to practice safe driving habits, but it’s more important than ever to make sure your teens consider you as a healthy role model. Your teens can learn so much from watching you drive, and they can not only pick up on the safe habits you practice but the dangerous ones. Remember to take certain precautions especially in front of your teen, such as not answering your phone while driving, always wearing your seatbelt, honoring the speed limit, and always making the appropriate turn signals. You should also remember to stay calm and focused, and always treat other drivers with courtesy.

Discuss Risks
As your teens come closer to the driving age, prepare to talk to them about the risks of driving and how to minimize them. Examples include the importance of wearing a seatbelt and abiding by the speed limit. Emphasize the consequences of certain actions, such as drunk driving or riding in a car with friends. Let them know that the more distracted they are, either by friends or something like a cell phone or radio, the more dangerous it is. Tell them to be alert at all types and how important it is to scan the road as they drive. Don’t be afraid to share your personal stories, which can help them remember how crucial the actions and choices they make on the road are. This would be a good time to discuss what behavior will result in the teen’s loss of driving privileges.

Shop for Auto Insurance
Start comparison shopping and think about whether you want to add your future teen driver to your auto insurance policy or purchase a separate policy for them. Depending on your driving record, it may be less expensive either way. Ask companies if they offer discounts for good grades or for enrolling in a driver’s education course.

Research Cars
Your teen might beg you for the latest and flashiest car but it’s better to look for reliable, affordable, and easy-to-drive cars. Look for cars with important safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and front and side airbags. The cars you research should have excellent crash-test ratings. The first car your teen drives should be indicative to the student lifestyle. Therefore, the speed of the car and unnecessary luxury features shouldn’t be the top priorities.

Practice
After your teen has obtained a learner’s permit, you should plan to spend about 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with your teen before they apply for a driver’s license. If your neighborhood doesn’t have much privacy or space, find an empty parking lot to practice in at first. Practice sessions should be gradual in challenges. After you get many hours of practice, you can practice on busier streets. Plan the route before each session to focus on special features of the road such as 4-way stops or pedestrian areas. Remember to stay calm and practice clear communication with your teen before, during, and after the practice session. You can even use a notebook to write down important reminders for next session and everything you have practiced.

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