As a parent, there is nothing more important to you than the safety of your children. That is why it is so important to talk to them about safe driving practices — even before they get their learner’s permit. In this blog post, we will discuss seven quick tips that may save your teenager’s life behind the wheel!
1 Wear Your Seat Belt
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to remind your teen that wearing their seat belt is not only required by law in most states, but it could also save their lives. In the event of a collision, a seat belt will help keep them safe and secure in their seat.
2. Don’t Use Your Phone While Driving
This one is another no-brainer, but it is worth mentioning. Teens (and adults) need to be aware of the dangers of using their phones while driving. It is illegal in many states, but it can also be very dangerous. Talk g on the phone while driving increases your chances of being in a crash by four times!
There are plenty of other activities that can be done while driving, such as listening to music or talking to passengers. But your teen needs to use their phone; they should pull over to a safe spot and stop before making any calls or sending any texts.
3. Obey the Speed Limit
We all know that speeding is dangerous, but it is especially dangerous for teenage drivers. It can be tempting for your teen to want to go fast — after all, they have probably seen plenty of adults speeding on the highway. But it is important to remind them that obeying the speed limit is not only the law, but it will also help keep them safe on the road.
If your teenager is caught speeding, they may face a fine or even have their license suspended. So it is definitely not worth risking!
4. Don’t Drive Under the Influence
This one is probably the most important tip on this list. Drive g under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea, no matter how old you are. If your teenager is caught driving under the influence, they could face serious penalties, such as jail time, a fine, or even having their license permanently revoked.
Needless to say, it is not worth it! If your teen is going to be drinking, make sure they have a designated driver or take public transportation instead.
5. Drive Defensively
As a teenager, your child is more likely to be in a car accident than any other age group. That is why it is so important for them to drive defensively. This means being aware of their surroundings at all times and taking precautions to avoid accidents.
One way to help your teen become a defensive driver is by enrolling them in a defensive driving course. These courses teach drivers how to stay safe on the road, even in difficult situations. They can also help reduce the risk of an accident happening.
There are many defensive driving courses available online, so there is sure to be one that fits your teenager’s schedule!
6. Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to help your teen stay safe while driving is by assisting them in planning ahead. This means making sure they know where they are going and what they are doing before they even get in the car. Teens can use Google Maps or Waze to navigate their way around town, and they can also use these apps to find parking spots and avoid traffic jams. Planning ahead will help keep them safe and calm behind the wheel.
7. Take Breaks
If your teen is going on a long road trip, it is important for them to take breaks every few hours. This will help them stay alert and focused while driving. It is also a good opportunity for them to stretch their legs and take a short walk.
Taking breaks is especially important if your teen is feeling tired or sleepy. If they are getting too tired to drive, they should pull over and take a nap or switch drivers.
The tips in this article are designed to keep your teen safe and secure while they are on the road. While it may seem like an overwhelming task, there is a lot you can do at home to prepare them for their first solo drive! It starts by teaching them defensive driving skills before they head off into the world alone.