Getting a license to drive is an exciting rite of passage for many teenagers across the country. A license means freedom and convenience, both for the teen driver and the adult who no longer needs to shuttle their teen wherever they need to go.
Inexperience is a significant factor in crashes and injuries for teen drivers. Start instilling good driving habits early as you help your teens learn to drive.
1. Seatbelts come first
Teach your teenager to fasten their seatbelt as soon as they get into the driver’s seat before starting the car. Eventually, this will become second nature.
2. Limit distractions and passengers
When a driver splits their attention between focusing on the road and paying attention to the radio, eating a snack, or talking with other passengers in the vehicle, accidents become more likely. Set rules and boundaries with your teen driver regarding who may be in the vehicle with them.
3. Keep phones out of reach
Texting while driving is a leading cause of accidents across the country. From the day your teen earns their license, teach them the dangers of texting while driving and instruct them to keep their phone far out of reach. Make it a habit to silence their phones while driving so they are not tempted to respond to notifications or alerts.
A great way to help your teenager become a safe driver is to model the behaviors above at all times. Children notice and pick up the habits of the adults around them. If you always put on your seatbelt, and you silence your phone and put it out of reach, chances improve that the children in your care will instinctively do the same when they are behind the wheel.