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When your teen gets his driver’s license, mixed emotions are usually involved. You’re proud that your child passed the test, but you’re probably aware of the fact that he’s growing up. You’re also concerned about his safety on the road. How can you keep your teen as safe as possible behind the wheel when you’re not there to help him?
• Enlist the help of a professional. When your teen is learning how to drive, enrolling him in a reputable driving school is the perfect way to be sure that he’ll learn the rules of the road. While teaching your teen to drive on your own may seem more comfortable and financially reasonable, your teen may overreact when you criticize his/her driving and refuse to take your advice. A professional is neutral, and their advice is more likely to be taken seriously by your teen.
• Sit your teen down before he even gets behind the wheel for the first time and have a candid talk about dangers on the road. Your aim is not to frighten your child, but to make him aware of the importance of paying attention on the road. Emphasize that distractions should be kept minimal.
• Limit your teen to driving with an adult for the first few months of driving so that he can get some experience behind the wheel before he drives alone or with friends. Having friends in the car can be a distraction, and gaining experience behind the wheel is essential for learning how to deal with such distractions.
• Stress that your teen should keep his cell phone somewhere that it will not be distracting during the drive. If your teen has trouble not checking his text messages or missed calls, suggest that he keep his cell phone in the backseat or the trunk while driving so he will not be tempted. Distracted driving, including driving while texting, causes thousands of teen deaths every year.
• Establish the times and conditions under which your teen is allowed to drive. Even if he has his own car, remind him that driving is a privilege and there are certain conditions that must be met for him to maintain that privilege.
Having your teen behind the wheel can be nerve wracking, but keeping him prepared and speaking openly about driving can help you keep him safe on the road.
