As a parent, it can be stressful imagining your child on the road every day. These tips can help you feel more confident about your new driver!
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Spend time practicing
As obvious as this seems, it can be really helpful to determine how well your child drives. While riding as a passenger, notice their strengths and weaknesses, occasionally giving tips to improve their technique. Just remember to remain calm in their presence to boost their confidence and avoid startling them! -
Review important highways & roads
It takes time to eventually learn the most common routes through repetition, but you can aid them by highlighting important freeways and roads. Even if their navigation gives out, they will be able to safely reach their destination. -
Stress the dangers of distracted driving
No matter how careful drivers are, distractions can have horrible consequences. In case of an emergency, having a phone on hand is crucial. Instead of banishing phones to the trunk, they can download apps like AT&T Drive Mode and Drive Alive Lite to encourage focused driving. You can also opt for the “Do Not Disturb” and new “Focus” features on iPhones.
Distractions also include friends and music: make sure they are comfortable with any passengers and music volume. -
Emphasize consequences of drunk driving
Although teens should not be drinking, they might find themselves at parties where others have drunk. By gifting your teens a BreathIQ breathalyzer they can easily test friends before riding along with them! Remind your kids that drunk driving is never worth the risk and danger! -
Invest in safety devices
Despite our precautions, accidents can always occur, so it is better to be prepared. You can load the car with simple tools like the resqme® to escape car entrapment. Preparing ahead of time can make all the difference during an emergency. -
Choose the right vehicle
Most teens have decided on their dream first car, but it is important to choose one that will protect them. You can research car safety specs beforehand to determine your favorites and give them options. Teens with a driver’s permit can even test-drive cars to get a feel of their own comfort!
Hopefully, these tips will help you feel more comfortable with your teen behind the wheel, but it is completely normal to feel anxious. Keep in mind that you have taken all the measures to prepare them for safety. Now, enjoy the free time you’ll have without having to drop off kids everywhere!
