For many parents, teaching their teen to drive is just as much a rite of passage for them as it is for the teen. It is a moment parents dread as much as potty training, but unlike that childhood challenge, failing to teach your teen how to drive properly could yield dangerous results for both the teen and other people on the road.
As parents, it's our responsibility to ensure that our teens are properly equipped for the road before handing the car keys over to them. Here are some tips to keep in mind when teaching your teen to drive.
Master the Basics First
Always start with the basics. Everything from adjusting the mirrors to the function of each control in the car needs to be mastered before you allow your teen to drive. Parents should ensure that their teens are able to repeat everything step-by-step. They also need to master turning, starting, parking, and hill-climbing. A great way to practice these techniques is with the use of traffic cones.
Where to Practice
Knowing where to practice is also an important detail to consider. For starters, avoid congested roads and freeways, especially when your teen is unfamiliar with the area and with the task. One small error could cause accidents. Always make sure that the environment they practice in is equivalent to their skill level.
Minimize Distractions
It's important to minimize distractions while teaching your teen to drive, not only to set a good example, but also because until your teen becomes used to spotting potential danger on the road, you'll be the secondary set of eyes during the trip. Don't play music, keep your focus on the road, and keep phones out of sight.
Practice Driving In All Conditions
There is a real need to familiarize your teen with driving in adverse weather conditions and poor visibility. Instead of skipping lessons when the weather's poor, practice with your teen during these weather conditions. This allows them to become accustomed to these conditions and will also allow them to adapt to these situations.
Prioritize Defensive Driving Habits
Beyond the basics, it's important to put an emphasis on defensive driving. Many teens will want to show off on the road, but the truth is that this drastically increases the chances of an accident happening. It's important to point out the consequences of reckless driving and the fact that the accident is just the beginning of trouble, especially when the victim sustains long-term, life-altering injuries. Not only that, but car accident lawyers like the Joye Law Firm: North Charleston personal injury attorneys know by experience that many car accidents happen because of negligence.
Learning to drive is a rite of passage that most people go through during their teenage years. It is a life skill that will always prove to be useful, especially when it's difficult to get by as an adult without a car. Be sure to impart the necessary caution and skills to your teen to help they succeed on the road.
