As new drivers may struggle with simple tasks like applying the brake and turning their car, start training your child in an open parking lot to ensure the safest experience.
Supervised driving hours are essential for new teens. Contact your local AAA agent for more information.
1. Drive Safely
Novice teenage drivers are twice as likely to become involved in an accident. Help your teen stay safe by reminding them about the importance of fastening their seatbelts, adhering to speed limits, and staying out of other vehicles’ blind spots.
Teach them how to avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating while driving, and passengers. Make sure they always use their seat belt and encourage all passengers to do the same.
Assure they read and comprehend their vehicle’s owner manual to familiarize themselves with where all the controls are, as well as regularly check their gas gauge to prevent running out of fuel. It is also wise to teach them about monitoring it to prevent future mishaps.
2. Drive Safely at Night
Teen drivers are at increased risk for car accidents at night, and many states have laws in place that restrict them after dark. Encourage your teen to gain as much practice on various roads with various weather and traffic conditions before setting out after dark.
Remind your teen driver to slow down and leave plenty of space between themselves and vehicles ahead, particularly in wet or wintry weather conditions. Also, discuss with them staying alert while driving; avoiding eating, or tuning up their radio while behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of teenage car accidents. Remind your teen to turn off or set their phone to Do Not Disturb while they’re driving to ensure safe passage.
3. Drive Safely with Other Drivers
Driving lessons teach teens that distractions are one of the primary sources of vehicle collisions. Distractions include phone calls, streaming music services, talking to passengers, or staring off into the distance. Teen drivers should avoid all these activities when behind the wheel and should limit how many passengers accompany them when driving.
An escape plan is key to safe driving. Make sure that there is always sufficient distance between your car and any vehicles ahead, allowing yourself time to react if another driver slams on their brakes unexpectedly, especially if passing another car.
4. Drive Safely with Passengers
Many states place limits on the number of passengers a new teen driver may carry in their car for good reason, as passengers can become distractions to them as they drive. It’s wise to encourage your teen to limit how many passengers ride along in their vehicle and travel only with family or trusted individuals who can serve as safe drivers.
Be sure that all passengers always wear their seat belts, and remind them to regularly inspect mirrors and look 20-30 seconds ahead to assess conditions – this allows for immediate reaction should something change in front of them. When driving in wet or snowy conditions, avoid using cruise control.
5. Drive Safely with Electronics
Engaging with smartphones, tablets, music players, and GPS can be highly distracting while driving. To encourage their safety while behind the wheel, advise your teen to use hands-free options or voice recognition technology instead of texting or talking while behind the wheel. It is also vitally important that they remain alert while on the road and not engage in conversations that distract them or are text-heavy while driving.
Make sure your child gets enough rest before driving, and always double-check their gas gauge before departing home, since running out of fuel can lead to accidents among novice drivers.
Consider restricting the number of passengers, and implementing zero-tolerance rules regarding alcohol and speeding. Remind passengers to always buckle up front and back during every ride – doing this could save their lives!
6. Drive Safely with Other Drivers
Teen drivers can become overconfident quickly when driving alone or with you in the car, leading them to make mistakes that could cause accidents. Teen drivers should understand that an accident could occur at any moment and must always be prepared.
Encourage them to avoid eating, reaching for items, texting, talking on the phone, or fiddling with the radio while driving. Make sure the volume level allows them to hear nearby traffic signals and sirens.
Consider all other drivers as idiots for optimal road safety and prepare yourself for unpredictable lane changes, sudden stops, and any other bad driving behaviors others may exhibit on the road.
7. Drive Safely with Other Drivers
Your teen should understand the dangers associated with being distracted while driving by other drivers, such as texting and fiddling with the radio. Any distraction can result in accidents; make sure they know to mute the radio or set Do Not Disturb mode before getting behind the wheel.
As well, they should avoid changing lanes at intersections or passing other cars; it would be prudent for them to stick to either the right or middle lanes until they feel confident with highway speeds.
At a minimum, they should leave at least a two-second gap between themselves and the car in front of them on safe road conditions, with this distance increasing in wet or wintry weather conditions. Cruise control users should mute it accordingly to increase safety on such roads.
8. Drive Safely with Electronics
Becoming a driver can be both exciting and a major responsibility, so parents should support their teens in their journey and provide helpful safety tips to keep them safe on the road.
Discuss the importance of avoiding distractions while driving. From texting, fiddling with radio stations, or simply conversing with their passengers – distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents among adolescents.
Consider requiring your teen driver to turn off or keep out of sight of their cell phone when driving and encouraging them to listen to music or podcasts that will keep them focused while on the road. Also, ensure that open communication channels exist so they know they can always come back and talk with you if there are concerns on the road.
