Road Safety: How to Teach Your Teenager to Drive

Parents want to give their children the tools they need for the future, and one of those tools is the ability to drive. This is an essential skill, but it is also one that parents worry about since it is linked to many accidents. The following is a simple guideline that will help you teach your teenager to drive.

Focus on the Law

Some teenagers have a hard time following rules, but these rules can keep your kid safe. What you should do is emphasize just how important following these rules is. You can have your kid go over the rules before you get started with driving lessons. Most kids are excited to get behind the wheel, so make this a reward after learning some of the laws, which are usually posted on your DMV site.

Precise Talking

You may be tempted to talk to your kid when he or she is driving, but you do not want to do this. You want to keep conversations down to a minimum. Talking can distract your teenager, so try to stay quiet even if you think it makes him or her feel more relaxed. Now, you are going to have to tell your child when to turn or change lanes. Try to do so calmly and a few seconds before he or she has to do this. Avoid shouting at the last second, which could be nerve-wracking for your kid.

Be a Scanner

New drivers do not have the skill to look for potential hazards. Most of the time, teenagers only focus on what is in front of them, so you have to do this for them, at least at the beginning. Point out these dangers when you see them in a calm way so that your kid gets used to seeing them. It might be a good idea to make your kid say the dangers as he or she sees them so that you know your child is paying attention.

Resist Contradictory Teachings

You have been driving for a long time, meaning you are probably a good driver by now. It is okay to pass these skills to your kid, but do not teach your child anything that goes against what your kid was taught at driving school. Trying to override what your teenager was taught will create confusion, and you do not want that. Also, be sure to drive well because your child will be paying attention to your driving habits now that he or she is learning.

Hopefully, some of these pointers help teach your kid to drive safely. If an accident should occur, don’t panic. Contact a lawyer from a firm such as Alexander Law Group. Your teenager does not need to see you afraid. Do not be afraid to talk to your teen’s driving instructor for additional tips that could help you.