So Your Teen is a Young Driver. Now What?
For many young drivers, getting their drivers license is a rite of passage. It offers them new freedom and responsibility. For many young drivers, it is a time to finally start feeling like they have reached adulthood. Becoming a teen driver is exciting for parents and teenagers alike. However, teen drivers lack the experience and maturity of adult drivers, and it important that your teen driver understands the risks and responsibilities associated with driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that in 2006 teen fatalities from motor vehicle crashes went up over 500 in July, as compared to just about 400 fatalities in the winter months. It may seem common sense, but especially with the independent and even rebellious nature of teenagers it is imperative for parents to stress the importance of safe driving practices, such as obeying the speed limit, wearing seat belts, and most of all, learning to minimize distractions.
Inexperience of Young Drivers
Even experienced drivers are prone to accident when they take their eyes and minds off the road, but young drivers are significantly more likely to cause, or be in an accident. I remember learning to drive, and I could not look to my right or left without the car swerving that direction as well. After years of practice, I can now turn my head without my body, and thus the car, following suit. It's a skill learned through extensive practice, but you can bet that your young driver has not mastered this skill.
Checking out the babe in the passenger seat could be deadly. We've all heard of looks that kill, but this is no laughing matter. Your young driver should know to never talk on the cell phone while driving, never allow passengers to be loud and rowdy, and for the love of Pete, no text messaging while driving.
Hopefully it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. Make certain that your teen driver knows not to ever ever ever operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug/alcohol.
Talk to Your Young Driver
When your teen gets their license, you need to be vigilant. Don't just throw them the keys and say be back by midnight. There need to be clear expectations that safe driving practices will be enforced, and there need to be serious consequences for a failure to observe safe driving practices. Teens may be rebellious, but if the proper steps are taken, they will behave responsibly if they know what's expected, and what consequences they may face.
If your teen is a new driver, sit down and discuss these issues with them. You will find that your teen driver is a safer, and more responsible driver as a result.
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