Driving can be a beautiful experience for your teen. While you may be excited to see your teen reach this milestone, you need to be careful with your teen’s driving prowess. The road has different drivers with variable levels of experience, and this is a crucial consideration to ensure your teen is safe on the road. Here are tips to keep your teen safe.
Set a Good Example
While driving with your teen, he/she will keep observing your driving habits. In this case, you should lead by example. Avoid bending road rules because your teen will likely do the same while driving. Let your teen know the importance of following laws and regulations and the implications for those who do not obey the laws. Here are other things you should do when driving along with your teen.
- Watch your speed and avoid exceeding the speed limit.
- Fasten your seat belt, adjust your mirrors, and put a GPS tracker into your phone before you put the key into the ignition.
- Be calm and courteous while driving and avoid careless driving so that everyone stays safe on the road.
- Keep off distractions such as talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or grooming while driving.
- Avoid drinking while drunk. So let your teen see you sober while driving.
Enroll Your Teen in a Professional Driving School
It is imperative to enroll your teen in a credible and trustworthy driving school. This is more vital if you have a busy schedule that does not give you time to be with your teen or if you are not able to teach your teacher about safe driving. A professional driving school is an excellent institution that the teen can learn all road safety measures and everything that pertains to driving.
Do as Many Road Tests as Possible
Before you entrust your teen to drive alone, practice driving with him/her whenever possible. Continual driving makes your teen a perfect driver who can drive alone and comfortably after several road driving tests.
As you accompany your teen while driving, you will be providing advice to straighten the person. This is the best time to monitor areas where your teen needs improvement. Also, give your teen guidance on the inexperienced areas. Keep noting every detail to allow him/her to do better next time.
Know the Teen Driving Laws
Most states have teen driving laws and regulations. The rules require teens to drive carefully while also minimizing distractions. This helps teens become better drivers and start driving independently.
Teens are also restricted from driving past curfew hours. They have limitations to the number of people they should have onboard and cell phone restrictions. So, ensure you get familiarized with the teen driving laws to guide your teen accordingly.
Teach Your Teen about Vehicle Maintenance
Driving involves many things. A car can run into minor problems while your teen is driving alone at a place with no mechanics. Your teen should learn simple car maintenance tips to solve minor emergencies, especially when they are alone. This can minimize expensive repairs and save you money in the long run.
Show your simple teen things such as changing oil, adjusting tire pressure, or changing tires. Additionally, your teen needs to know the road warning indicators and lights. This makes the teen a self-sufficient and competent driver.
Encourage Your Teen to Speak Up
Sometimes, teenagers keep information from parents due to the fear of how the parent may react. This is not good because your teen may hide things that you could have solved before issues arise. That is why you should always encourage your teen to open up and express any issues faced while on the road. Let him/her ask as many questions as possible to clear any gray areas.
This will help you devise ways to help your teen solve the problem. Your teen will continue to gain more confidence in you and while on the road. Try and find time for your teen and create a warm atmosphere for both of you.
The Bottom Line
Teaching your teen bout road safety is the best way to make your teen confident on the road, especially when driving alone. Using the tips above can help you build your teen’s confidence and driving prowess and make him/her an exceptional driver with time.
