Teenage Driving: Has Your Teen Started Driving?
Posted by Admin at 27 August 2017, at 17 : 54 PM
One of life’s passages which proves most traumatic to parents is when their teenager is old enough to drive. To a teenager, it is a sign of freedom, independence, and adulthood, but to a parent, it is the beginning of anxiety and sleepless nights. There are many things a parent can do.
One of the most important things to do is talk to your teen. Studies have shown that when parents discuss all aspects of driving with them, the teens are less apt to speed, be influenced by their peers, and drink and drive. Don’t just depend on Drivers Education. Even if you have to repeat the same things over and over, they can be very effective. Can’t you still hear something your mother told you when you were young?
Tell them you have expectations when you turn the keys over to them. Tell them with adulthood comes responsibility. Explain that speeding and reckless driving is not only irresponsible behavior but life-threatening behavior. It also may be a good idea to limit the passengers in the car to avoid distraction and excessive peer pressure. Set limits such as no night driving until they gain more experience, no calling on a cell phone or text messaging while driving, and definitely, no drinking. Stress to them that drinking and driving is not only illegal, driving kills. If they wish to call on the cell phone they must pull over to the side of the road. Set curfews if you have to.
When they are learning to drive, go with them on test drives, even at night. Allow them to drive in stages. By adding on to driving privileges little by little, parents can encourage responsibility and safety. Above all, be a good role model and have good driving habits yourself. Running red lights, running stops signs, and yelling or swearing at other drivers are not proper examples. Show them that is advisable to use courtesy while on the road. Tell them rude or vulgar behavior is not allowed on the road any more than it is at home. Insist seat belts be worn at all times and follow this rule yourself. If they do not follow the rules, do not let them take the car in spite of their pleadings. It may mean their life.
If you purchase a car for your teen, regardless of your financial situation, don’t purchase sport or turbocharged cars as teenagers may try to live up to the image of dangerous driving. SUVs are not a good bet as they can turn over easily. Choose a safe, sensible car which has good crash protection. Preferably, a mid or full sized vehicle. Whatever you chose, make sure the vehicle is in good condition so breakdowns don’t occur.