Imagine you are sitting in the passenger seat of your car and instructing your teenage child in the basics of driving. Often, these times can be some of the most terrifying and equally laughable moments as you try to help your child understand how to safely operate a vehicle. However, when the time comes for him or her to drive alone, your constant encouragement and vigilance is no longer present. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your child understand the importance of driving safely and responsibly even when it seems that no one is watching.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three primary steps you can take in teaching your teenage child responsibility behind the wheel. First, you should make sure he or she successfully completes a driver’s license certification program and has the appropriate hours logged and confirmed. Second, you should teach him or her about the reasons that seat belts are so critical. One of the best ways to do this is to lead by example and always put your seat belt on before you leave anywhere. Third, do not be afraid to discuss the dangers of drinking and driving or texting and driving.
Teenagers face exponentially more danger in certain situations than they do others. Here are some of the extra risky circumstances that can create danger for an inexperienced driver:
- Driving in the dark.
- Driving with other passengers, especially your child’s friends.
- Driving while fatigued.
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
