Teen Driving Safety Tips
JANUARY, 23 2009 BY IF TEAM IN HELPFUL TIPS
Even though the thought of our teens growing up and leaving home is scary and sad for most parents, knowing that it is almost time for them to start driving on their own is even scarier. South African roads are of the most dangerous in the world. So what, as a parent, can you do to help them? We have compiled a list of great teen driving tips for your use. Use some of it, or all of the tips, this is sure to give you a bit more piece of mind when they leave the house, after all, there is only so much as a parent you can do…the rest is up to them.
This is in no way in order of importance.
Know the rules of the road
Does it mean when they pass their drivers license that they are now ready for the roads…not even close. Remembering road rules and laws in the test, compared to when they are driving with other cars and taxi s hooting and shouting around them, is completely different. When driving with them, make sure you help with their knowledge of the road rules, and inspire confidence in them…this will go a long way in making them good, conscientious drivers.
Let them drive
Next time you want to go to the shop, let them drive. More practice is always good, and you can also see how they are getting along. And although letting your teen drive, and you sitting helplessly in the passenger seat is scary, and frustrating, it is the only way for them to learn. Be patient! You were probably also in their shoes once.
What car do you get for them?
For those selected few, with the way our currency is going, and the opposite direction everything else is going, who can still afford to get a car for their teenager, what do you get? I would get them something out of the 70’s, that has 10cm thick panels, but that won’t happen. They want a fast car that looks cool to their friends. We are both wrong. Parents should really look at getting a car that has good crash protection and excellent safety features.
Drinking and driving
It is very hard to find recent and accurate information on this that applies to South Africa. According to US statistics, 40% of all teen deaths, between the ages of 15-20 years, are alcohol related. The list of statistics is endless, and get more and more frightening. Everyone knows not to drink and drive, but this does not seem to hold too much weight. If you know or suspect they are going somewhere where alcohol will be available, insist on taking them there and picking them up, or better yet, don’t let them go.
A positive role model and constant attention are the two most powerful tools a parent can use to help keep their teenager from becoming another painful news story.
Be a role model
Jumping red lights, weaving through traffic, swearing or getting audibly angry at other drivers, road rage, driving on the bumper of the car in front of you, these are modeling road behavior that you do not want your teenager to follow. Set a good example, be a courteous driver.
Restrict night time driving
This is really simple, studies show, vast majority of teenage accidents happen over weekends and between the time of 9pm and 6 am. Restricting your teens driving at night will be one of the best things you can do for their safety!
Limit the number of passengers in the car
Very interesting information released by Mothers Against Drunk Driving shows that teen driving crash incidents increase by 50% when there is another passenger in the car with them, and by a staggering 400% when there are 3 or more passengers in the car with them. Limit the amount of people in the car with your teen is sure to get some tempers flaring, but the studies definitely do not lie.
No talking on cellphone while driving
This is really a tip you can make easy for yourself if you set a good example. Make use of a head set, although studies and tests have shown that this provides no real driving improvement. Pull over to the side of the road? This is probably not the safest thing you can do in this country either. This also goes for texting while driving; we have all done that, and see drivers texting while driving all the time. Set the right example, they will follow. Do not use the cellphone while operating a vehicle!!
Safety Belts
There is no need to elaborate on this, is there? Are you setting a good example? Seatbelts save lives.
These are just a few pointers that one can look out for, and will definitely help put your mind at ease when your teenager is out driving.