Teen drivers are statistically at the highest risk for becoming involved in accidents, and as a good parent, you know that already and have your fair share of concerns. It’s your job to teach your children about the seriousness of operating a vehicle, and help them steer down a path toward safe driving habits. It’s up to you to help them attain good judgement and maturity on the road.
I don’t have to tell you that parenting a teenager can be tough, but your child is without a doubt excited and eager to get behind the wheel, and their ability to learn best safety practices is in your hands.
As an automobile accident and workman comp lawyer from Atlanta, I see a lot of injured people come through my doors. The reality of driving is that an accident can lead to serious or fatal injuries, and although your teen may feel invincible, he or she is far from it. Don’t be discouraged, though. With some practice and patience, you’ll be fully prepared to help your child prepare to drive one day without you by their side.
With that said, keep these things in mind when you’re teaching your teen how to drive:
Safe Driving Vs. Safe Operating
The physical act of operating a vehicle and safe driving as a whole are not one in the same. While learning how to steer a car is certainly an important component of safe driving in general, there’s more to it than that. Beyond the basic understanding of how to operate the vehicle, your teen must also be able to:
- Understand and be aware of a variety of risks that will inevitably occur
- React to those risks in a safe and positive manner
- Predict actions fellow drivers will take that may affect them
As an experienced driver yourself, you can discern what some of those risks are. Make a list of common occurrences, and help your teen understand how to foresee and react to them.
Practice in Different Conditions
Do you remember the first time you drove at night? It’s a lot different than daylight travel! By only allowing your teen to practice driving in sunny, daytime conditions, you’re only preparing them to handle sunny, daytime conditions. Night driving and rain driving are completely different, and you should take your child driving under conditions as such.
Don’t Go it Alone
It takes a village to raise a safe driver. There are many resources available to you and your teen. Use them!
- Sign a formal deal with your child so you’re both on the same page
- Send your son or daughter to a professional driver’s education course, rather than teaching him or her solely on your own
- Have your teen join the ranks of over 14 million people who have pledged to resist distracted driving
- Have your child take practice learner’s permit tests
Touch base with my office if you have any further questions. More than a auto accident and workers’ compensation lawyer from Atlanta, I am a concerned citizen of Georgia who wants to make sure that all teens are as safe as can be on our roadways.
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