Your teenager sees driving as an opportunity for freedom. However, you worry about your teenage driver’s safety, especially since injurious and fatal accidents are so prevalent among teenage drivers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the second leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. is car accidents. There are steps you can take to help your teenager become a safer and more aware driver when he or she gets a driver’s license.
1. Set a good example
Your teenager will likely mimic some of your driving behaviors, so it is important to set a good example. For example, do not use your cellphone when you drive, always wear your seatbelt and follow the rules of the road.
2. Put boundaries into place
Your teenager may not be ready to drive in a variety of situations right at first. Set boundaries that work for your family and allow your teenager to get in needed driving practice. For example, limit your teenager’s driving hours or put restrictions on having friends in the car.
3. Invest in driver education
A driver education course can teach your teenage driver additional skills for driving safely and preventing serious car crashes. If you have a new driver, look for one of these courses through your child’s school or a community source.
In addition to these tips, give your teenager plenty of opportunities to practice driving with your supervision. Driving safely is a skill, and your teenager will likely improve the more practice he or she gets.