The first moments behind a steering wheel are typically ones of elation for a teenager, and anxiety for the parents. Parents of teen drivers have every right to be worried. Vehicular accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in America, with teens three times more likely to crash than adult drivers. As parents of a teen driver, you should have some basic ground rules established to help your teen’s safety and the safety of other drivers, while still allowing them to gain more independence and experience on the road.
Wear a Seat Belt at All Times
In a 2008 study, only 80% of teens reported wearing a seat belt regularly, and the majority of fatalities for the 18-24 year-old age group involved individuals not wearing their seat belts. In 2013, only 55% of high school students claim to wear seat belts when driving or riding with others. Make it absolutely mandatory your teen wear their seat belt at all times while driving or riding, and be sure you model the same behavior.
Limit Passengers
Studies show that teen drivers with passengers are significantly more likely to take risks and be distracted. Teens with three or more passengers are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash. Limit the number of friends your teen is allowed to drive around. A good rule of thumb is 1 passenger per each year of driving experience.
Set a Reasonable Curfew
The rate of teenage driving accidents increases significantly after dark. In 2010, 17% of teenage auto fatalities happened between 9:00 pm and midnight, and an additional 24% of fatalities occurred between midnight and 6:00 am. While it is likely to be an unpopular rule, it is best to strictly limit the hours of the day new teenage drivers are allowed to drive.
Do Not Drink and Drive
While the legal drinking age in America is 21 years-old, many teenagers begin experimenting with alcohol significantly earlier. Teenagers and alcohol are an extremely dangerous combination that only becomes more volatile when cars are involved. Impress upon your teens the importance of never riding with an impaired driver, as well as abstaining from alcohol themselves. This way they can avoid more serious consequences like dwi charges, having a license revoked, or even jail time.
Hang Up the Phone
Cell phones provide security to teen drivers as a means of communication in case of emergency, but can also be a tempting distraction. Talking and texting are both very dangerous practices for any driver. Instill in teens a habit of putting the phone in the glove box or special pocket while driving. You can also check your teen’s usage log on your cell provider’s website and compare it to the times they are driving. Let your teen know you can and will check up on them frequently and can lose driving privileges if they break the rule.
Slow Down
Speeding very often plays a significant role in fatal car crashes. Teenagers tend to be impulsive and somewhat reckless. Remind your teen the importance of following the set speed limit and adjusting accordingly in case of heavy traffic, poor road conditions, or dangerous weather.
Communicate the expectations you have for your teen and be willing and ready to enforce them. Make sure they know you want to help them enjoy this new freedom safely, but if you cannot trust them, the keys will be taken away. Responsible driving affects not only them, but everyone on the road.
