Being the parent of a teen driver can be nerve-racking. You worry about your son or daughter making it home safely – and you want to make sure they don’t hurt anyone else on the road.
Whether your teen just started driver training or they have their license in-hand, there are many common concerns on the minds of parents today.
We asked parents a simple question: “What’s your biggest fear as a parent of a new teen driver?”
Here’s what they had to say:
- “Her getting into an accident, or something bad happening on the road.”
- “Someone coming to your door in the middle of the night and telling you your child has been in an accident.”
- “Safety is my top concern, it’s important for all new drivers.”
- “The distractions for the driver, and distractions for all drivers on the road today.”
- “There’s so much more traffic on the roads than when I learned to drive. It takes a lot of experience to be a safe driver.”
- “My biggest concern is speed and highway driving since many fatalities happen on the highway.”
- “Being prepared for everything that can happen on the road.”
What can you do to ease these concerns and ensure your child is safe?
If you haven’t chosen a driving school, make sure you do your research and select a school that’s going to give your teen the proper training they need. It’s always tempting to choose the least expensive option, but consider the curriculum, instructors and the level of parent involvement.
We also asked parents what they expect from a teen driving program. Here’s what they want their child to know:
- Knowing how to drive safely
- Learning how to use the car properly
- Confidence in dealing with different driving situations
- Being aware of dangerous behaviors like speeding or using a cell phone
- Better handling and breaking; stopping at safe distances
I’m sure you’ll want your teen driver to graduate driver’s education with these same skills. Again, do your research and go with a reputable driving school.
If your teen is already licensed, then consider these steps:
- Establish a parent-teen driving contract – make sure your ground rules are communicated and the consequences outlined.
- Ban electronic devices – they have no place in your teen’s vehicle.
- Continue to stress vehicle responsibility – remember that having a car is a privilege!
You might also consider a re-fresher course or a skills clinic to ensure your teen has a full understanding of the proper/safe driving techniques. We offer a 2-Day Vehicle Dynamics Course that covers proper hand and steering techniques, crash avoidance techniques and more.
Have more questions about teen driving? Leave a question below or contact us directly by clicking here.