That once-tiny child who used to cry when you left him at preschool is now an outgoing and independent 16-year-old who is ready to start — gulp — driving on his own. As most parents of young drivers know, teaching a child to drive is as much a rite of passage for the adult as the teen.
As a parent of a fledgling driver, you definitely walk a fine line. You want to emphasize the importance of safe, smart driving but also want to avoid the use of scary statistics that may just serve to alienate your teen. You don’t want your teen to ignore your great advice about driving because you peppered it with too many grim facts. Research the statistics for your own knowledge, and then use the underlying message behind these numbers to teach your teen to be a safe, courteous and responsible driver.
Create a Drive Solo Rule
The risk of being in a car accident is highest among 16- to 19-year-olds, according to the CDC. In fact, they are three times more likely as people 20 and over to be in a motor vehicle crash. While males are twice as likely as females to be involved in an accident when they are 16 to 19, those with teenage passengers in the car are also at an increased risk. Some things are out of your control, but you can dictate how many people can be in the car with your teenage driver.
For the first few months your teen has his license, do not allow him to drive other teen passengers. After six months or so, you might allow one trusted friend to ride in the car too. This rule will eliminate the distraction present with a car full of rowdy teens.
Create a No Texting Rule
Do not text and drive — either of you.
Like most teens, your kid always has a phone in his hands. Texting while steering a two-ton steel machine down the road though… that’s a big no-no.
Texting and Driving Safety has created a thought-provoking infographic. Thirty-four percent of teens say they have texted while behind the wheel. As for why they do it — in some cases, it’s because they’ve seen their folks do it too. Fifteen percent of teens have seen a parent text and drive and 27 percent of adults have sent or received texts while behind the wheel. To reduce the chance of your teen texting while driving, be a good role model. In addition, you might consider installing a dash cam in the car, at least for the first year. And have your teen sign a contract that he will keep both thumbs on the wheel, not the phone.
Study (or Brush Up on) the Road Rules
Refresh your memory on road rules while helping your teen study for the driver’s permit test. In addition to helping your teen increase his chances of passing, it will also help to refresh your own memory on the rules of the road. A whopping 72 percent of teens fail their driving test the first time, according to Driving-Tests.org. Increase your teen’s chance of passing and encourage him to take practice exams, and read through the questions. The practice will boost your own knowledge and skills too.
