Childrearing: Raising Safe Drivers
By Michele Blandino
One of the most difficult things for a parent to do is to hand over the keys to the car. It’s no secret that teen drivers account for many traffic accidents and unfortunately, fatalities.
In fact, some experts say that drivers who have received their license within the last twelve months or those who have not yet logged 1,000 miles behind the wheel are one most likely to be involved in an accident.
In response to this, many states have adopted a graduated license program which places restrictions on new drivers that are gradually lifted as the driver becomes older and more experienced. These restrictions range from the prohibition of driving after dark to limiting the number of passengers a new driver can have in the car. And, while these restrictions appear to be working, they certainly have not eliminated accidents involving teenage drivers. So, what can parents do to help ensure the safety of their new drivers? Here are some ideas:
Set a Good Example
Children of all ages tend to emulate their parents. As a result, if you hop into the car and drive off without buckling up, chances are your teenage driver will do the same. Likewise, if you tend to chat on your cell phone while driving, you can be sure that it won’t be long before your teenager picks up the same habit. If you find that you must make a telephone call while driving, be sure to use a hands-free device (many states require this) and keep the conversation short. Finally, while it’s never a good idea to drive aggressively, it’s particularly discouraged when your children are in the car.
Set Ground Rules
Your child needs to understand that their driver license is a privilege that can easily be taken away if the rules are not obeyed. Certainly, every teenager is different; some will handle the responsibility that comes with driving better than others and the rules you make should reflect this. Among the restrictions you might want to consider are the number of passengers your child will be allowed to have in their car, where they are allowed to drive (some parents set geographic boundaries or forbid driving on freeways and other busy roads for the first few months), and during what hours. Be sure to clearly state the consequences of not obeying these rules and follow through should you learn that your child has broken any of the rules.
Keep Tabs
Be sure to ride with your child even after they receive their license. This will allow you to continue to monitor their skills and correct any emerging bad habits. You should also venture out with your teen at night, in the snow and in heavy rain so that they gain the experience needed to drive in these varied conditions.
