3 Thumb Rules To Teach Your Teen Before You Handover The Car Keys

For your teen, getting a driving license is the first step towards freedom. You, on the other hand, might not feel the same way. It is probably because you still have your parent’s cap on, reminding you constantly about the child’s safety and well-being, especially on the road. 

If we look at the statistics, your concern is not merely out of anxiety. Reports by CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that the risk of motor vehicle accidents is high among teens between the age of 16 to 19, particularly among newly licensed teen drivers. Every day hundreds of teens get injured due to poor safety practices and reckless driving. 

So, before you hand over the keys of your car to your newly-licensed kids, make sure to teach them these three important driving rules. 

Rule 1: Make Safety Your Priority 

Teens are often overly-excited about their first driving experience. In the first few weeks, you’ll find them asking questions related to driving and seeking permission to drive. This is a great opportunity for you to teach them safe driving practices such as wearing seat belts, speeding, weather conditions, and nighttime driving. Make sure to inform them about the local rules and laws related to teen driving. 

For instance, in California, nighttime driving is prohibited (from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) for the first 12 months of getting the license. It is because nighttime driving is more dangerous and may lead to fatal crashes. As the kids are still new to driving, they can easily get nervous during uncertain situations and lose control of the vehicle. 

Breaking the safety rules is not only dangerous but is likely to cause penalties. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to license suspension. When your child is well-versed in these overcomes, they’ll be more focused on driving safely. You can also plan short trips for the weekend to comprehend your kid’s driving skills and guide them accordingly. 

Rule No. 2: Use Rideshare Services When Drunk 

Not every teen is the same. Some may like to stay in and focus on their studies, while others might like to socialize, go to parties and explore themselves. If your child belongs to the latter category, the “no drink and driving” rule is a must. Make them understand that this rule is for their safety purposes. If they are consuming alcohol (or getting intoxicated in any way), they must not drive. Instead, take a cab to return home or choose to stay at their friend’s place. 

Unfortunately, peer pressure and the “rebel” nature of kids can compel them to get indulged in wrongful acts. If your child gets indulged in a DUI (driving under the influence) case, you must contact the criminal defence attorney. 

If you are doubtful or wondering- why hire a criminal defense attorney, know that DUI is a “criminal” offence that may or may not lead to “Bodily Injury,” irrespective of the state or province you reside in. The attorney can counsel the defender and build a strategy to protect them or lower their penalties using the facts. 

Such incidents can also cause trauma for the driver. So, make sure to show your support to your child and help them recover from the incident as soon as possible. 

Rule No. 3: Say No To Multitasking During Driving Practice

Attending phone calls, text messaging, eating, or operating GPS during driving can easily cause distractions. Handling distractions on the road is surely tricky for rookie drivers without adequate training. Some of the things that you can teach to avoid multitasking include:

• Setting GPS before starting driving, especially if visiting unfamiliar places. 
• Pulling the car into parking for making and attending to calls or messages. 
• Avoid eating or drinking during the ride. 

Having a family member or friend accompany your teens during the ride would also be helpful. They can handle the tasks of navigation, attending calls, adjusting audio or climate controls, and more- lowering every possible distraction for the driver. 

Tip: If you also have the habit of multitasking, it would be wise to set an example of safe driving practices for your kids. After all, they do what they see. 

Let’s Recap! 

Truth be told, parents can not stop worrying about the safety and well-being of their children. However, you must learn to trust and feel confident in them. Make sure to show your support to them and guide them wherever it seems necessary. It will help build a strong foundation for your relationship and give you peace of mind.