Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver
While researching on teens safe driving, I came across a fact sheet on Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. My daughter, sitting next to my computer desk, immediately spotted the title and complained, “You don’t even let me drive. How come I become a safe driver?” (Well, fellow parents, I’ve already known that our children are always watching us. But I haven’t realized that it would have been this close. The minute I just downloaded the page, she immediately knew what I was reading! That’s why experts keep reminding us of the importance of modelling.) Then I replied, “You’re right. I am still looking for the sings showing you are ready to start driving. ” (I bet she knew what signs I was talking about.)
Let’s come back to our today’s topic: how to help your teen becomes a safe driver.
The fact sheet, that I mentioned, gives parents some very important tips. The rule of thumb:
Supervised behind-the-wheel driving experience is the key to developing necessary habits and skills for safe driving. Parents need to work with their teens to help them gain the needed experience and judgement.
When teens begin driving independently :
- Parents should not allow young drivers unrestricted driving privileges until they have gained sufficient experience.
- Parents should limit their teen’s driving alone in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, fog. etc.) and at night until the teen has sufficient skills and experience.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous and should be strictly prohibited.
- Parents should work out when and where the teen is allowed to drive the car (e.g. to and from part-time job, etc.).
Read the entire fact sheet… [aacap.org]