7 Tips for Teaching Your Teen Responsible Driving

When your child becomes a teenager, it's natural to feel anxious about them getting behind the wheel. After all, car accidents are the prominent cause of teenage deaths in the United States. But there's no need to worry; follow these seven tips to help teach your teen the ropes of driving responsibly.

1. Explain the Importance of Obeying Traffic Laws

One of the essential things you can do when teaching your teen to drive is to stress the importance of obeying traffic laws. Not only are these laws there for everyone's safety, but they also help to keep order on the roads. Remember, your teen is still learning and may not be aware of all the potential dangers on the road.

By following traffic laws, they can help to avoid accidents and keep themselves and other drivers safe. Explain that traffic violations can also result in points on their driving record, leading to higher insurance rates down the road. Please help them to understand that obeying traffic laws is not only the perfect thing to do, but it can also save them money and hassle in the long run.

2. Emphasize the Importance of Defensive Driving

Another important thing you can do to teach your responsible teen driving is to emphasize the importance of defensive driving. Self-protective driving is about anticipating what other drivers on the road might do and being prepared to respond accordingly. It's important to always be conscious of your environment and to stay attentive to the task at hand. This can be a challenge for teenage drivers, who are often more easily distracted than experienced drivers.

3. Make Sure They're Insured

Another way to help give yourself peace of mind is to ensure your teen's car is properly insured. If they do have an accident, you'll be covered financially. You may also want to consider installing a GPS tracking device in their car so you can see where they are at all times. While it's important to trust your teen, it's also important to take some precautions to ensure their safety.

4. Discuss the Dangers of Unfocused Driving

With the rise of smartphones, there's a new danger on the road: unfocused driving. Unfocused driving is any action that takes a driver's concentration away from the task of driving. This can include talking on the phone, texting, browsing the internet, or even talking to passengers in the car. Discussing the dangers of unfocused driving with your teen and setting some ground rules about using phones and other devices while behind the wheel is important.

5. Encourage Them to Take Breaks on Long Trips

If your teen is going on a long road trip, encourage them to take breaks every few hours. This will help them to stay alert and focused on the task of driving. It's also a good idea to have them share the driving duties with another person if possible. That way, they can take turns resting and driving, and no one will get too tired.

6. Talk About the Consequences of Drinking and Driving

No one wants to think about their teen drinking and driving, but it's important to discuss it. Make sure they understand the dangers of drinking and driving and explain that even a small amount of alcohol can impair their driving ability. If they drink, stress the importance of having a designated driver who can take them home safely.

7. Help Them Plan for Emergency Situations

It's essential to teach your teen what to do in case of an emergency. If they have a flat tire, run out of gas, or get into an incident, they should know how to handle it. Help them plan by teaching them how to change a tire, fill up their gas tank, and call for help if needed. Knowing these things can help them stay safe in an emergency situation.

Conclusion

The teenage years are a time of exploration and independence, but it’s important to remember that with freedom comes responsibility. Emphasizing the importance of safe driving and ensuring they're properly insured are two essential things you can do. You should also discuss the dangers of unfocused driving and encourage them to take breaks on long trips. Finally, help them plan for emergencies. Taking these steps can help your teen become a safe and responsible driver.