Encouraging your teen to drive responsibly and practice a healthy lifestyle is an important part of parenting. When it comes to teen drivers, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some tips to help you keep your teen safe while driving.
Set a Good Example
Teen drivers will look to you for guidance, so be sure to practice safe driving habits yourself. Demonstrate how to be an attentive, courteous driver, following the rules of the road and obeying traffic signals. Also be sure to not text or talk on the phone while driving, as this could lead to distractions that can be dangerous. In addition, avoid drinking and driving and teach your teen the importance of sober driving.
It’s also vital to teach them the legal explanations of DUI. For instance, DWAI, or driving while ability is impaired, is when a motorist has a blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.08. However, a DUI, or driving under the influence, is a BAC over 0.08. Teaching your teen this information is essential to keeping them safe on the roads.
Set Boundaries
Create a contract with your teen driver about the rules they must follow. Set boundaries on the time of day they can drive, the passengers they can have in the vehicle, and any other safety standards you’d like to implement in their lifestyle. For instance, around half a million backup car accidents occur in the United States every year. Discuss with your teen what to do in case of an accident, such as taking pictures of any damages and exchanging information with the other parties involved. Make sure to stress the importance of never driving away from an accident.
Enforce the Rules
It’s important to enforce the rules you have set for your teen. Make sure they understand the consequences of not following them, such as revoking their driving privileges. Don’t be afraid to take away their keys and set clear expectations for when they can get them back.
While you might want to give your teen the freedom to explore and make their own decisions, keep in mind that it’s ultimately up to you as a parent to set limits and enforce the rules. It’s also important to work with your teen to get those privileges back. For instance, if they get a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign, take time to review the rules of the road with them.
Utilize Technology
Nowadays, there are a variety of ways to help keep track of your teen’s driving habits. Some cars come equipped with built-in tools and apps that help monitor teen driving. Parents can also use GPS tracking systems and dash cams to ensure their teen is driving safely.
By using dash cams, Bluetooth-enabled devices, and other technology, you can ensure your teen is being responsible when they are behind the wheel. In addition, make sure your teen understands how to use their vehicle’s safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings.
Teach the Importance of Maintenance
Your car should have a tune-up every 30 thousand miles to help avoid any major problems in the future. Make sure your teen knows the importance of regular maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and oil levels, to keep their vehicle in top shape. This will help avoid any costly repairs down the road.
In addition, teach your child about why maintenance is so vital. For instance, oil needs to be changed so that it can lubricate the engine and prevent any wear on its components. Car maintenance is an important part of overall safe driving and an adult lifestyle.
Above all else, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to your teen driver. Make sure they know how to drive responsibly and safely by setting a good example, establishing boundaries, enforcing rules, using technology, and teaching the importance of maintenance. Teaching your teen these skills will help them stay safe while behind the wheel.
Elor McDori
