How to Teach Your Teens to Be Safer Drivers

When your teenager gets behind the wheel for the first time, it’s a moment of both excitement and nervousness. It can be hard to watch your kids grow up at any point in time, but that challenge grows when they get their license and start hitting the road on their own. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure your child stays safe when they get their wheels. Give yourself a little more peace of mind with these tips on how to teach your teens to be safer drivers.

Be an Excellent Role Model

You may not realize it, but you’ve been teaching your kids how to drive from the moment you first put them in their car seat. Kids grow up watching their parents behind the wheel, which means they’re going to mimic your behavior once it’s their turn in the driver’s seat. Set a good example by practicing safe driving techniques yourself. Be a courteous, respectful, and calm driver every time you hit the road. Avoid road rage, don’t text and drive, and do your best to be the kind of driver you would want your kids to be.

Talk About the Consequences

Getting your license can make you feel invincible, but your teen needs to know that they’re not. While you don’t want to discourage your child, they need to know what can happen if they don’t practice safe driving skills. Sit down and have a serious discussion about the consequences of careless or reckless driving. Don’t just focus on potential car accidents. Explain how you can face expensive fines, legal trouble, or even get your license revoked if you don’t follow the rules of the road.

Let Them Practice

Giving your child plenty of time behind the wheel is perhaps the most important step in teaching your teens to be safer drivers. After all, practice makes perfect. The more time your teenager spends in the driver’s seat, the more comfortable and confident they’ll be. Hand over the keys once in a while when you’re out and about together. If you go on a road trip, let them take over for a stretch of time. It’s not always easy to give up control, but the learning experience is invaluable for new drivers.