Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20-year-olds, and account for about 40 percent of all teen deaths. That’s why preparing your new driver for the road is of utmost importance. They need to know the best ways to be safe on the road, and although driver’s education can help to some extent, you can always do more to fill in the gaps to ensure they’re safe and protected no matter what happens. Here are four of our best tips for parents with new drivers.
1. Get Them Into Driving School
Before they get on the road, enroll your new driver in a driving school. Driving school is one way to get them acquainted with the road for the first time. Driver’s Ed can teach them not only the rules of the road, but how to build confidence on the road, which is important. It can teach them how to drive defensively so that they’re always on the lookout for anything they might face, including unruly drivers. So find a driving school in your area that can teach your teen how they can become the best driver they can be.
2. Get Them Insured
One of the most important things you can do for your new driver is to get them insured. Find an auto insurance company that offers discounts and savings for things like:
- Safe Driver
- Defensive Driving
- Driver Training
- Good Student
- Multi-Vehicle
- New Vehicle
- Family Discount
The right auto insurance provider can offer bundles that save you money on your other policies, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. USAA offers payment flexibility, accident forgiveness and benefits for military families.
3. Let Them Practice as Much as Possible
Learning to drive from a professional is one thing, but allowing them to practice as much as possible can help them learn even more. Give them a car of their own to practice on, and take them out on the road on your own time to supplement whatever they’re learning in driver’s education classes. Remember to try to keep calm and do what you can to help them avoid potential distractions on the road. Don’t talk down to them or scold them when they make a mistake. Simply wait until the end of the driving session and then talk to them about it afterward. The last thing you want to do is be a distraction for your kids while they’re driving and end up causing an accident.
4. Answer Any Questions They Have
As the parent of a new driver, you’ll probably get asked a ton of questions while your teen is on the road. Answer any questions they have promptly and without attitude. The more they understand about the road and how to navigate it, the safer they’ll be. So encourage them to ask questions both on the road and off if you want them to fully understand all that goes into becoming a responsible driver. Let them know you’re there for them, not only for questions, but in case they make mistakes.
Getting Your Teens Ready for the Road
Getting your new teen driver on the road can be an exciting time for them, but a pretty scary one for you. Your number one priority is keeping them safe on the road in any situation and to do all you can to ensure they avoid car accidents. Using the above tips, you can keep your teen driver safe and protected at all costs.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
