When your teen received their driver's license, you likely felt a mix of emotions. Between relief, happiness, worry, and doubt, letting your teen drive on their own can feel scary. Share these driving facts and tips with your teen so they can understand the importance of safe driving and apply them to their own habits.
Purchasing a Car
Your teen may be driving your old car, a used car from a family member or friend, a new car you purchased, or perhaps your teen saved up some money to buy their very own car. Maybe your teen doesn't even have a car yet but would like to purchase one. When it comes to buying a car, attaining an adult's help is best. 54% of consumers would buy from a dealership that offers their preferred experience even if it did not have the lowest price -- and this can significantly hurt your teen's bank account if they aren't careful.
If your teen will only be driving to and from school and a part-time job, suggest purchasing a used car that is safe, has good mileage, and will essentially provide basic transportation. If your teen will be going to college, moving out, or otherwise be in need of a higher quality, reliable car in the next year or so, perhaps looking into purchasing a newer car or attempting to lease a vehicle would be wise. Be sure the necessary finances are in place to make a bigger purchase.
Basic Safety Rules
Your teen learned basic safety rules in a driving course and/or driver's education, but it's still a good idea to reiterate them before your teen begins driving on their own regularly. What do these include? Here are a few to discuss with your teen:
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Always wear a seatbelt
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Obey speed limits
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Focus on the road
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Be cautious when driving in dangerous weather conditions
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Always be on the lookout for other cars and pedestrians
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Use turn signals
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Be cautious with yellow lights
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Plan ahead to avoid speeding and precarious driving
Driving While Impaired
Alcohol and other illicit drugs play a role in more than 15,000 car injury deaths each year. Be sure your teen understands the dangers associated with driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. If your teen is out late, make sure they know they can always call you to drive them home. Encouraging smart behaviors will allow your teen to see that calling a parent instead of driving while impaired is the best decision they could make.
Aside from the dangers of your teen driving while impaired, be sure they also understand how dangerous it can be if they get in the car with an impaired driver. While it may be difficult to discuss with your teen, ensure your teen that calling a parent in any dangerous situation involving impaired driving is the best move. Having an open and honest conversation about this topic will allow your teen to see just how dangerous it is, which will prompt them to make smart decisions if the situation comes up.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another issue that teens and young adults have difficulty with. Between cell phones with hundreds of apps, music, food, drinks, and other passengers, there are several distractions that can impact the safety of your teen driver.
Your teen will likely be annoyed that you're mentioning this topic, as they'll insist that they will always follow the rules. Regardless, here are some rules and tips you can provide your teen when it comes to avoiding distracted driving:
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Limit the number of passengers in the car
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Keep cell phones in purses, bags, or otherwise out of sight while driving
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Set up a touchless music system to avoid cell phone use and playing with the radio if possible
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Set up a GPS inside the car to avoid using a cell phone for directions
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Enforce a curfew to avoid unnecessary late-night driving
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Keep music to a reasonable level to avoid missing emergency alerts
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Utilize a straw instead of a cap if drinking water is necessary
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Eat foods that can be eaten one-by-one and that are impossible to choke on if eating is necessary
Driving in Busy Areas
Whether you live in a rural area, a suburb, or a city, your teen will eventually drive in a busy, high-traffic area. Individuals between the ages of 21 and 24 have the highest traffic-related injury rate per 100,000 population. While your teen is not in this age group yet, they are likely just as impatient and distracted as individuals in the 21-24 age group.
When it comes to driving in a busy, high-traffic area, patience is key. Waiting in long lines of cars, waiting at long traffic lights, and dealing with slow and fast drivers alike is difficult for impatient drivers. Teach your teen to always plan ahead by leaving early for school, events, work, and appointments to avoid feeling rushed. Drivers in a rush are more likely to act on their impatience and even cause an accident. Talk to your teen about obeying speed limits, being cautious at traffic lights, and always being on the lookout for reckless drivers in busy areas.
Allowing your teen to drive on their own is no doubt a cause for concern and worry. However, by having an open and honest discussion about the dangers of the road along with rules and tips to follow, you can trust that your teen will make wise decisions and ask for your help when necessary.
