How to parent a new teen driver without losing your mind?
Many parents of teens wonder how time has moved so quickly. It seems that just the other day you were installing a car seat and now your child is begging to borrow the car. The thought of your precious baby behind the wheel is enough to make any parent wait up for them to get home. Although there is nothing that will take away your fears completely, having clear ground rules and all that is needed for a safe drive established before your teen sets out will help.
Considering the following tips will help you to be a parent of a new teen driver without losing your mind.
More Safety, Less Showy
Young drivers need to be behind the wheel of a car that is going to decrease the likelihood of an accident as well as provide the proper protection in the event of a crash. Smaller cars or those with the showy image may promote unsafe behaviors. It is not uncommon for scores of parents to buy a cheap, used car or hand over their old car to their teen. Likely these older models will not be equipped with the latest safety options.
There are so many variables to consider why buying car insurance for your young driver. Whether you are adding your teen to your plan or looking to secure their very own coverage, expect a very different encounter when compared to an experienced driver.
A teen’s age combined with a lack of driving experience will affect the premiums and options readily available. Obtain car insurance sr22 quotes to make sure you adequately cover your new driver.
When You Say So
Graduated driver licensing policies are designed to set restrictions on when your new driver can be behind the wheel. Most teenage motor vehicle fatalities occur at night making it a crucial that one of your rules is that your teen not is allowed to drive after dark.
Inclement weather poses more of a threat to a young driver because of their inexperience handling the car in less than favorable situations. Contemplate having your teen attend a driving school. These courses will teach car control methods in a safe setting. Driving training gives young drivers some groundwork and skills around what to do if their car skids or begins to hydroplane.
Teach the Risks
Your kids know about the dangers of drinking and driving. Today’s teen drivers also face the distractions associated with their Smartphones, tablets, and all the other forms of technology that vie for their attention. Teach your teen about the risks of driving while distracted.
Seat belts do save lives, and it is the law. Sadly, some people do not seem to have learned this lesson. Teach your teen that their chance of surviving a crash is significantly greater if they have buckled up. While you are at it, curb their need to speed by reminding them that nothing is more important that making it to their destination alive.
Limit the number of passengers your teen can drive. Research shows that the fatal crash risk is approximately four times greater than when a new driver is alone in the car. Do not let your teen be distracted by friends in the car. Passengers tend to encourage the riskier behavior.
Give Opportunities
Let your new driver practice. Send them on errands to the store or to drive a family to various appointments. You will likely have a hard time at first but the best way to become a safe driver is with practice.
Providing your teen with opportunities to take the car out will also help to build trust. Teens are famous for lying about where they have been so give them the chance to earn your confidence that they will abide by the rules.
Overall
In general, let a professional teach your teen to drive while you focus on being a good example. Just as when they were little, your adolescent is modeling what they see you do. Following your rules will increase the likelihood that your teen will as well.
Finally, obtaining a driver’s permit is certainly a sign that your child is shifting from childhood into adulthood. Notwithstanding, it is your duty as a parent to make it obvious that driving is a privilege. Regardless of whether your teenager owns their very own vehicle, you are still the one to lay down the rules around when and under precisely what circumstances they may drive.