Five Tips to Prepare Your Teen for the Road
Learning how to drive is an important life milestone for your teenager. Unfortunately, this reality is likely less thrilling to you as a parent. It's not uncommon for the excitement felt by a teenage driver to misalign with the anxieties of a parent. After all, your priority for over 16 years has been ensuring your child's safety. Luckily, we have a few tips to help you prepare your teen for the dangers of driving.
TIP #1: PRACTICE
Driving is a skill that requires practice. The best way to teach your teenager safe driving techniques is to bury your fear, claim shotgun, and give them as much behind-the-wheel practice as possible. It's better for your teenager to experience various traffic conditions with a parent they trust.
TIP #2: TEACH VEHICLE RESPONSIBILITY
Most teenagers have no idea how a car works or how to maintain its condition. Educating your teenager on vehicle maintenance can go a long way in preparing them for the future. None of us enjoy dealing with oil changes and tire rotations, but maintenance is a necessary facet of responsible driving.
TIP #2: TEACH SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Imparting safe driving habits to your teenager can also give you peace of mind. Safe driving habits include wearing a seatbelt, not drinking and driving, and never using a cell phone. Cell phones are the leading cause of distracted driving. If you teach your teen anything, make sure it's to stay safe by not texting or using a hands-free device while driving.
TIP#4: CHOOSE A SAFE VEHICLE
It's important to choose a reliable and safe vehicle for your teenager to drive. The first few years of driving tend to warrant vehicle repairs and paint jobs, so it's vital your teenager is protected in a safe car.
TIP #5: TRUST YOUR TEENAGER
It's instinct to want to protect your baby, but trusting your teenager is the best way to encourage their confidence about driving. We know it's difficult to remain calm when an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel, but your job as a passenger is to stay calm and be supportive. You want your teenager to feel comfortable and self-assured when driving alone and with passengers.
PREPARE FOR ANYTHING
Young drivers tend to attract accidents and collisions. If your teenager is injured in an accident, contact Inman & Tourgee at (401) 823-9200. Our team of experienced Rhode Island personal injury lawyers can assist you in identifying at-fault parties, filing a claim, and building a strong case. With over 125 years of collective legal experience, we have handled countless automobile cases.
