It’s important that your teenager know your expectations for his or her driving behavior. As a parent, you can have a positive influence on your child’s behavior and habits. Children learn by example; if you always use seat belts, for instance, it’s much more likely that your child will. Following are safety guidelines to discuss with your teenager.
Drive defensively. Driving defensively means doing everything possible to avoid an accident before you’re in a hazardous or dangerous situation. This includes observing speed limits, leaving adequate distance between vehicles, slowing down to adjust for adverse weather conditions, and not driving when tired. Remind your teen to look and think ahead — to anticipate problems and be prepared to react. Point out that defensive driving also includes keeping your car in proper working order.
Always use seat belts. Nearly two-thirds of teens killed in passenger vehicle accidents are unrestrained. Make it clear to your child that safety belt use is not optional—he or she must wear a safety belt every time he or she rides in a car, whether as the driver or as a passenger. Make it clear also that your child must require his or her passengers to wear safety belts. Be sure to set a good example by always using your own restraint.
Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving. Combining driving with drinking and/or drugs is a deadly mix. Using drugs or alcohol is a choice—it is your teen’s responsibility to make safe choices. Make sure your child understands what it means to choose a designated driver—a driver who agrees to stay sober and do the driving. Promise your teenager that if he or she ends up in a drinking or drug situation without a designated driver, you will provide a ride at any hour of the day or night.
Avoid distractions while driving. Using a cell phone, fiddling with the radio, and talking to people in the backseat are just a few of many possible dangerous distractions. Explain to your teen why and how you expect him or her to avoid distractions (e.g., do not answer a cell phone while driving; pull over if a call needs to be made; choose radio stations before starting to drive). Point out to your teen that he or she is in charge of the vehicle when driving, and that includes asking passengers not to distract the driver.
Understand and obey traffic laws. Encourage your child to ask for explanations of driving and/or traffic rules and regulations he or she may not understand. Some elements of driving behavior have no "rules;" they are matters of courtesy and convention that are not necessarily taught. For example, if there’s a line of cars trying to exit a parking lot onto a street, what is appropriate driving behavior for the drivers trying to exit and the drivers on the street? Make it clear that you believe asking for information is not an indication of ignorance, but a responsible thing to do. Most teens understand that states have penalties for traffic violations (e.g., fines, revocation of a driver’s license); make sure that your teen also understands that serious offenses, such as driving while intoxicated, are crimes that can result in imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, and hefty legal fees.
Know what to do in the event of an accident. Make sure your teen knows what to do if involved in an accident. Teenage drivers need to know the state requirements for reporting/
documenting traffic mishaps, and how and when to call for assistance (e.g., 911).
Know how to handle unexpected vehicle problems. Your teen needs to know what to do if he or she runs out of gas, is faced with a flat tire, or can’t start the car. It’s a good idea for every driver to learn how to change a tire, but it’s just as important to understand when it’s not safe to change a tire (e.g., on the shoulder of a very busy road) but better to call for help. Have your child get familiar with the owner’s manual of the car he or she will be driving. Membership in an automobile club might make a good birthday or congratulatory gift.
Learn the basic mechanics of a car. Before getting behind the wheel, a driver should know what it takes to keep the car running well and how to avoid simple problems. Make sure your child knows the type of gasoline to use and how and when to check oil and fluid levels and air pressure in the tires.
