Top Tips for Teaching Teens to Drive Safely

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There are so many challenges that come along with being a parent, and so many worries, fears, and doubts that can float around the minds of mothers and fathers everywhere, especially as their children start to grow up and become more independent.

As your kids get older and start getting out more into the world on their own, you may worry about all kinds of things, from their relationships to their mental health, career prospects, and general life direction.

You might also worry about their safety while driving, and it can be quite scary for many parents to even think about their son or daughter sitting behind the wheel of a car on their own, especially at a time when millions of auto accidents happen every single year.

However, there comes a time in the lives of most young people when they decide to learn to drive, and if you want your child to be as safe as possible out on the roads, it's wise to take an active role in this process and give them a few driving lessons yourself.

Teaching your teen to drive might sound daunting at first, but it can be a great bonding experience and a really useful way to share some of your own wisdom and advice to keep them safe when they finally get out on the roads. Here are some tips to help out.

Start Off Simple

The first tip to teach teens to drive safely is to begin with the basics. There's no need to rush right in and set off on the roads right away; instead, a good plan for your first lesson is to introduce your teen to the features and systems of the vehicle, showing them how everything works and see what they already know, so that you have a good base to build from in later lessons.

Drivers need to know as much about their cars as possible so that they're able to use all of the systems and features to their advantage. In misty or low-light conditions, for example, teens need to know how to use their high-beam headlights to see clearly, and they need to understand the importance of using their signals and mirrors to avoid accidents that could lead to terrible physical injuries like neck and back damage.

Switch Off the Cell Phones

One of the biggest causes of auto accidents in America today is distracted driving. Countless crashes are caused by drivers getting distracted by all kinds of items in their cars, from food and drinks to radios, GPS devices, and, perhaps most significantly of all, cell phones. Teens can be especially likely to use their phones while driving, but they need to know the risks of this.

Set the tone right away by making sure that cell phones are either muted or switched off for all of your driving lessons with your teen. This should help them understand the true importance of not using a phone while driving, and it's something that is worth reinforcing again and again, as it really does cause a lot of accidents and injuries all the time.

Don't Preach, Teach

One of the keys to being successful when trying to teach your teen to drive safely is to have the right attitude and approach. Given that many teens are eager to feel independent and mature, a lot of them won't really respond too well to parents who simply preach at them and drone on and on about the dangers of reckless driving.

Try not to be overbearing or excessive in your approach. Focus more on teaching your child about the dangers of the road, explaining some of the risks that are out there, and sharing some of your own stories and experiences, for example, rather than simply telling them what they should and shouldn't do. Most teens will respond well to this kind of approach and will be more likely to remember your words.

Adapt to Your Teen's Needs and Personality

Following on from the previous point, it's worth noting that even though many teens are independent and rebellious, there are also plenty of others out there with totally different personalities. Everyone is unique. Some teens are confident and cocky, others are nervous and shy. Some are very mature for their age, while others still need a lot of parenting to help them grow.

It's important for you, as the parent or guardian of your child, to be able to understand their needs and personality and adapt your approach accordingly. If you have a teen who is very intelligent and mature, you can freely have mature discussions about road safety with them. If your child has a different personality, you might need a more tailored approach to get the message across.

Set a Good Example

Another top tip for teaching your teen to drive the right way is to simply show them how it's done in your own actions. Growing up, children watch their parents and often try to imitate their behavior, and they learn a lot about their own views on what is right and what is wrong by following the actions of their mothers and fathers.

In the car, too, children and teenagers will watch how you drive in order to figure out how they should act, and if they grow up seeing you behave recklessly, break the speed limit, or fail to use your mirrors and signals, they'll be more likely to copy those bad habits. So try to set a good example for your teen and for everyone else too by being a safe and sensible driver.

Final Word

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of death in teens, so it really is important for them to be taught about the risks of bad driving and the real dangers they can face when out and about on the roads. Follow these tips to share the benefits of your experience and help your child develop the right skills and attitude to become a smart and safe road user for the rest of their lives.

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