As a parent, the thought of your teen driver hitting the road probably terrifies you, regardless of you responsible or mature he or she might be. The fact is that new drivers inherently lack the skills and sharp reflexes that more experienced drivers have. This is through no fault of their own, of course, but rather something that takes time to learn and develop. That said, this does not mean there is nothing you can do to prepare a young driver in your household for the road. There is plenty that you can do!
BELOW ARE SOME TIPS WE COMPILED THAT SHOULD HELP YOUR TEEN BECOME A SAFER DRIVER:
- Create a parent-teen driving contract: This is an effective way to set the ground rules early on. Discuss all of your expectations with your teen, including issues regarding curfew and whether or not it is acceptable to have teen passengers. Make sure your teen understands the rules and is aware of the consequences of not following them.
- Practice makes perfect: Becoming a safe driver requires practice. Having a license does not mean your teen has mastered this skill, so make sure you take an active role in teaching your teen how to drive. Give him or her as much time behind the wheel as you can. The more time spent practicing with you, the better your teen driver will be when driving alone.
- Ban the use of electronic devices: Most teenagers have some type of communication device, whether it be a smart phone or a tablet. These devices are fine to have in the vehicle, especially since they can be a pretty vital tool to have in the event of an emergency, but no one should be using these devices while they are driving. Impress the importance of this rule to your teens. Distracted driving is quickly becoming a major cause of accidents on roadways across the country, so make sure you are very clear about this expectation. You can also reinforce this rule and lead by example.
- Teach vehicle responsibility: Teens practice and learn how to drive in order to acquire their driver’s license, but do not let your teen forget that there is more to driving than simply operating the vehicle itself. Make sure your teen understands that there are many costs associated with having a car, including insurance, gas, and regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and new tires. The better they understand this, the more respect and appreciation they will have for this privilege.
- Assess maturity level: Not all teenagers are ready for the responsibility of having a driver’s license and a car. No one knows your child better than you do, however, so assess the maturity of your teen and if you believe he or she is not ready, delay the process. Your teen will likely be unhappy with you, but waiting 6 months or a year could make a big difference in readiness.
CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN TULSA
If you suffered injuries in a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you need skilled legal representation on your side to assist you at this time. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our skilled attorneys will fight on your behalf for maximum compensation. Do not hesitate to reach out to us!
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