Teaching teenage drivers how to safely operate a motor vehicle can help prevent accidents and keep them safe from harm. This training should begin years before teenagers take the wheel. In fact, the best way to teach teens early is to start modeling the driving behaviors parents want them to adopt.
Starting with the Basics
Parents should start with basic lessons about the automobile, traffic laws, driving behaviors, etc. Teaching teens how the lights, steering system, brakes, etc. work helps them understand how everything comes together. Likewise, helping them understand the different signs and rules of the road helps them internalize the information.
Eliminating Distractions
Teenage driving accidents caused by distracted driving behaviors are considerable. Modeling good driving behaviors starts by eliminating distractions such as the radio, phone, navigation system, etc. Removing distractions allows the teenager to focus on what parents are telling them.
Rinse, Repeat, Redo
Teaching requires continual reminders of the lessons taught. Parents should work on skills and concepts the teen driver is struggling with mastering. The more parents work on these, the more they will understand them when it’s time for them to take the wheel.
Using Patience
Learning to drive can be exciting, but it is also intimidating. Parents should be patient with the teenage driver as they practice their skills. They should avoid yelling, raising the parent’s voice, or showing extreme alarm at their mistakes.
Taking the Time
No matter how busy the parent is, they should ask if they would rather make time for a funeral. The more time parents make to teach the teen to drive, the better. By going to abandoned parking lots, deserted roads, etc., parents can get their teen valuable time behind the wheel that is safe and productive.
Dealing with the Dangers
Whether it is mountain roads, night driving, icy streets, or crowded avenues, parents should address the hazards teens will face behind the wheel. Confronting these hazards beside them as they learn to drive will give them the confidence to handle them when parents are miles away.
Giving Teens a Vested Stake
Parents should let teens cover some of the expenses associated with driving. Teens who are responsible for gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. are less likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors that can get them hurt.
