As a parent, it can be nerve-wracking to see your teenager behind the wheel for the first time. According to Chubb, teen drivers crash three times more often than drivers aged 20 years or older per mile driven, and excess speed is a factor in about one-third of teen fatal crashes. While it’s natural to want to protect your child from any potential harm, there are steps you can take to help ensure their safety on the road.
Here are a few things you might consider when it comes to keeping your teen driver safe:
- Set clear expectations for safe driving: It’s important to establish guidelines for your teenager to follow while driving. This might include things like no texting while driving, no speeding, and always wearing a seatbelt. Make sure your teenager understands the importance of following these rules and the potential consequences of breaking them.
- Encourage plenty of practice: It takes time and practice to become a confident and competent driver. Encourage your teen to get as much experience as possible before they start driving on their own. This could involve supervised driving with you or another adult or completing a driver’s education course.
- Set limits on passengers and nighttime driving: Both Passengers or driving at night can increase the risk of accidents for inexperienced drivers. Set limits on the number of passengers your teenager can have in the car and restrict their driving at night until they have more experience.
- Discuss the dangers of impaired driving: It’s essential to have a conversation with your teen about the dangers of impaired driving, including the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. Make sure they understand the serious consequences that can result from driving under the influence, including injury or death to themselves or others, as well as legal consequences.
- Ensure the car is safe and well-maintained: As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure the car your teenager is driving is safe and well-maintained. This includes things like regular tune-ups, ensuring the tires are properly inflated, and replacing any worn or damaged parts.
- Using technology to monitor your teenager’s driving: There are a variety of tools and technologies available that can help you monitor your teenager’s driving habits. For example, many car insurance companies offer safe fleet tracking, and safe driving discounts based on feedback from things like speeding, hard braking, and distracted driving.
- Set a good example: As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your teenager’s life. Set a good example by following the rules of the road yourself and practicing safe driving habits.
By following these suggestions, you can help keep your teen become a safe and responsible driver. While there is no foolproof way to prevent all accidents, these steps can help reduce the risk and give you peace of mind as your teenager takes to the road.
