A simple guide to encourage safe driving habits in your teenager
If you are a parent, it’s important to talk to your teenager about safe driving habits. Anything can happen on the road at any time, so it’s important for them to be ready on what actions they should take.
As you talk to your teenager about safe driving habits, this guide will help you make the conversation go a bit more smoothly.
Be firm, but fair with them
According to teen driving statistics, teens underestimate dangerous situations such as speeding and taking unnecessary risks. The most common driving mistakes that teens make are:
- Aggressive driving.
- Overconfidence behind the wheel.
- Focusing only on what’s immediately ahead.
- Texting while driving.
- Too many passengers (more friends = more distractions).
Talking about the dangers that can happen while driving are scary. It’s important to let them know this while adopting a firm, but fair tone with them. You want to approach this in a way that says ‘your life is important and you shouldn’t throw it away over something dangerous’.
You want them to enjoy their freedom of driving without worrying. All you need to do is tell them to be aware of things that can happen. Because it can make a difference between coming home safe and getting hurt due to an accident.
Teach them when and when not to use their phones
Distracted driving often happens when texting behind the wheel occurs. Teens will always have their phone on hand. It can even get to the point where they’ll use it when behind the wheel.
This is a mistake that will be a costly and even fatal mistake. At least 11 teen drivers die each day because of distracted driving. While this may not be a statistic that will register well, you’ll want to emphasize that you want your teen home safe.
It starts with letting them know when they can use their phone (and when they shouldn’t). If they are not driving, it’s safe to use. When they are on the road, they need to hold off on all the calls and texts until they reach their destination.
Remind them of the laws that exist
Teenagers may not be able to afford the fines that can incur due to driving violations. This includes speeding, texting while driving, or something else. You’ll want to let them know that these laws are there for safety reasons.
You’ll want to remind them that if they are hit with fines, it may be coming out of their pockets. Which means they could be faced with the tasks of paying you back. For this reason, reminding them of such implications can help hold them more accountable for their responsibilities as a safe driver.
Talk to them about how life is important for others
Unsafe driving not only puts your teen’s life at risk, but also the lives of others as well. An accident can claim them. If someone survives, they can live with that guilt for as long as possible.
No one wants to suffer the mental anguish of survivor’s guilt. Even if it was an accident that happened with them behind the wheel.
It’s important to talk to your teen about driving safely
Talking to your teen about safe driving can be a challenge. Yet, it’s something that you will need to do sooner rather than never. Let them know that safe driving will guarantee them to come home safe every day and night.
Also, remind them of what could happen if they are not careful behind the wheel. It’s also important to let them know that being aware of their surroundings is key when it comes to driving. Because you never know who may be on the road and risking an accident.
Photo by leah hetteberg
