If there is a day that every parent fears it's the day that your pride and joy learns how to drive. What kind of driver will they be? Can I trust them to drive my car? Should I let them drive at night? These are all questions that can keep you up at night, but fortunately, we have tips and tricks so when the time comes instead of hiding the keys on your teen, you’ll hand them over knowing that they will be safe on the open road.
Get Them into a Safe Driving Course
It's essential to get young drivers as much practice as possible behind the wheel, as inexperience can warrant unwanted accidents. Make sure to check with your state's department of motor vehicles to get an approved list as approved safe-driving courses can help your teen gain valuable skills. These types of classes can be taken online or in-person and can last anywhere from six hours to half a day. While most courses are affordable, it is vital to shop around so you can get the best one that suits your budget. The best part about these safe driving courses is you can ask your insurer about a discount for taking these types of safe driving courses.
Get the Safest Car You Can
Our consultant at Tim Short Dodge Jeep Ram (Middlesboro, KY) emphasizes that when buying a car, new or used, be sure to look at the available safety features. Front and side airbags are essential, as are things like antilock brakes, and head restraints. If an accident should occur, you will feel better knowing these features protect your teen. Buying a safe car can also help lower your insurance premium, making it a massive plus for you!
Talk to Your Teen and Practice What You Preach
Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it's crucial that your child knows this before getting out on the road. Make sure your child knows to drive safely, buckle up, and avoid distractions and the consequences of disobeying those actions. While none of us like to think about our children drinking, it's also essential to speak to your child about the dangers of drinking and driving. Install a kind of "zero-tolerance" policy and then stick to it. All of these are important so make sure you're doing the same things when you drive, so you avoid being one of those "do what I say, not as I do" type of parents.
Driving Can Get Expensive
If your child has an after-school job, it might be a good idea to have them share at least some of the expenses. If your teen pays for things like gas, a portion of monthly car insurance, and oil changes, they will take driving and car maintenance more seriously and thus be safer on the road.
Put a Cap on Night and Bad Weather Driving
Night and lousy weather driving can be hazardous for young drivers. We recommend that you limit our teen from driving at night and bad weather, at least for the first few months. In the meantime, teach your child how to handle driving at night and in bad weather situations confidently. Driving schools can also help your child learn how to manage a skid or hydroplaning incident before facing these situations alone.
Using these tips can help your child gain confidence on the road as well as save you money if you decide to put your child on your car insurance policy. We understand that your child driving can be scary, but setting ground rules and having your teen follow them hopefully will help you breathe a little bit easier.
