Tips Designed To Keep Your Teen Driver Safe
Regardless of what statistics say, teenage driving can be made safer by following these important safety tips.
Obey the laws.
The Driver Education class may be over, but only by continually practicing will your teen remember and obey the rules of the road. It’s always a good idea to review driving manuals and the driving laws in your community and continually stress the importance of obeying them.
Set a good example.
You can’t expect your teenager to be a good driver if you’re not one yourself. This is not a time for the “Do as I say, not as I do” lecture. Be a good role model by obeying laws, not driving aggressively, and being aware of your surroundings.
Reserve the passenger seat.
Take advantage of the opportunity to observe and offer suggestions on improving your teen’s driving by riding as the passenger and letting your teen do the driving whenever possible.
Encourage seat belt use.
It saves lives plus it’s the law. Anyone driving with your teenager should also be encouraged to wear their seat belts.
Keep cell phones and radios off.
This is the simplest way to avoid becoming distracted while driving. Teach your teen to pull off the road if he/she needs to use the cell phone or send or reply to a text message.
Choose your teen’s car carefully.
Bigger is not necessarily better—or safer. And smaller may save gas but it won’t necessarily save lives. Check the vehicle ratings posted at www.ihss.org for more information on car safety features, crash protection, and more before purchasing your teen’s car.
Know when to restrict driving.
Nearly half of the deaths involving teens and motor vehicle crashes happen Friday through Sunday, during the nighttime and early morning hours of these 3 days. Limiting the amount of driving your teenager does during these higher risk times can lower your teen’s risk.
Keep passengers to a minimum.
Until your teen has had ample driving practice, it’s a good idea to limit the number of passengers that are allowed to drive with your teen. More teenagers in the car usually translate into more distractions and that usually translates into more accidents.
Sign up for defensive driving class.
This type of online or classroom instruction teaches drivers how to anticipate and react to incidents they may one day encounter. Completing the class may even get your teen an auto insurance discount!