How To Keep Your Teen Driver Safe
If you have a teenager at home who is learning to drive
, it is very important to make sure that they are safe while they are learning to drive, and especially after they are issued a license. Driving is a very dangerous thing for both the driver, and for all those around them, if they do not know how to stay safe.First, you should pay for extra driver training. If you can afford it, consider investing in additional behind-the-wheel driver education for your teen.
The state of driver's Ed in the United States is absolutely deplorable and shows no sign of improving. There are a lot of reasons for this, not the least of which is the absence of a national standard.
Instead, each state makes its rules. Because of this, there is a wide disparity in the quality of driver training from state to state.
We specifically recommend an "active" setting (where your child actually gets behind the wheel and drives) versus a classroom setting, since the latter is mainly book learning, while the former teaches your child the real-world driving dynamics of an automobile. There are a number of racing schools and low-cost programs around the country.
Once your child receives her learner's permit, have her drive everywhere possible -- to the store, school, the bowling alley, wherever -- with you in the passenger seat, of course. It's crucial that your child gets as much "wheel" time as possible before going off on her own.
Remember, nothing gives a better understanding of the dynamics of a motor vehicle than repeated exposure to the actual driving experience. Communicate with your child as you travel together.
Turn off the radio and talk to him about safety hazards you encounter along the way. Remember this one point: by the time your teen reaches driving age,
You've most likely been driving him around for 15-plus years; you have much to impart. Remember, too, that body language and hand signals can be as effective as spoken directions.
For instance, if you see a car nosing out of a driveway, a simple gesture in that direction can alert your teen driver to the potential danger. Also, remind yourself of the safety hazards you notice in your own driving, and communicate these to your child as you travel.
Some common themes: watching downhill speed, spotting trouble ahead, braking sooner rather than later. Remind your child that defensive driving is all about anticipation. As much as you may want to, it's best not to overreact while on the road with your teen driver.
Wait until you get home. Then you can yell all you want-there's a safety reason for this.
Studies have shown that an emotionally charged conversation compromises driving performance, reducing attention span and increasing distraction. If your child does something wrong on the road, make a mental note to discuss it when you get home, or, if you find the infraction serious enough, have her pull over and take over the driving for her.
Whatever you do, do not yell or rant at your child while she drives. This could be dangerous for both of you.
Consider a brief review of the day's driving once you return home. As gently and calmly as possible, discuss potential problems and solutions, dangers you encountered on the road and things to pay attention to in future trips.
Once your child receives his license, the landscape changes a little. However, your job is far from over.
Now, you kick into surveillance mode. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.
What you see and hear -- and how you respond to it -- could save your child's life. The social aspects of teen driving cannot not be underestimated.
The sudden freedom of mobility acts like an elixir to some teens. Be sure to monitor your child's comings and goings, doing the best you can to keep track of his companions.
A number of factors influence teen driver safety. Besides the usual culprits of drugs and alcohol, other issues, such as speeding, bravado and failure to wear seat belts, account for thousands of lost teen lives every year.
Equally significantly, a recent study found that a 16-year-old driver with three or more passengers was three times as likely to die in a fatal wreck than one driving alone. There is only one way to protect your child-be an active participant in their driver's education, and teach them about safety and concentration on the road.
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