So you’ve got your keys, and you’re about to set off on the open road with your teen driver. It might not be as scary as it sounds, but that’s no reason for complacency: you want to take every reasonable precaution that you can.
Driving is a complex task; it involves mental multi-tasking and manual dexterity, which teenagers haven’t yet mastered fully. This means extra precautions must be taken by those supervising them until such time as they have developed the intellectual and physical capacity to drive safely.
With younger drivers especially, you should exercise caution and patience at all times when supervising their driving. You want to make sure that any hazards are clear before allowing your teen to move off.
Here Are Some Tips On What To Do When Supporting Your Teenager To Become A Safe Driver:
Put Them On The Defensive
It may not be fun to drill defensive driving into them at first, but it really does help! Teaching your teenager common driving mistakes, such as dealing with dangerous drivers, inappropriate overtaking maneuvers, and situations when they need to put their foot on the brake – not the accelerator will make them a better driver.
Ensure they understand the importance of staying calm and collected when put under pressure, such as on a busy road or if their car breaks down in bad weather. Be sure also to teach them how to deal with emergency situations, such as what to do if they lose concentration and hit a parked car or are involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist.
Keep Calm
As a parent, it’s really difficult to keep calm when you’re in an MMO (Mercedes-Moment of Panic!), and your child is driving like the world is about to end.
It’s best to teach them how you want them to drive from the beginning – after all, they’re copying you, so if you are reckless behind the wheel, then they’ll start to mimic your behavior.
Work Together
Try to engage with your teenager in a positive way. If you undermine their confidence, then they’ll never learn and will become even more timid behind the wheel.
Be Prepared To Learn From Your Mistakes
Remember what it was like when you were a new driver yourself? You made mistakes, too, so try not to get angry with your teen if they do something wrong. Teenagers have a lot going on in life; allowing for this is part of giving them space and trust. What might seem like an indiscretion could actually be explained by stress or fatigue (which can’t always be helped)
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t expect them to get it right the first time. They need a lot of practice in a controlled environment, with supportive supervision at all times.
As anyone who has ever tried a new skill knows, practice makes perfect. If they’ve just passed their test, your teen probably thinks that their perfect driving record will last forever – but sadly not!
Make sure you set aside some time every day, or at least every other day, for them to practice what they’ve learned. Not only will it help them when involved in a car accident. But they will become more comfortable behind the wheel, and it will also boost their confidence in what they can do.
Be sure to always check the weather forecast if they are practicing during adverse conditions – there’s no point in letting them drive around when there’s a risk of ice on the road!
Quality Instruction Is Key
Different driving schools have different teaching styles, so it’s important to find one with which your teenager will connect. Ask friends and family for recommendations or try a quick Google search of the surrounding area to find the best fit for you.
Here Are Some Tips To Avoid Getting Into Bad Habits When Driving With Younger Drivers:
Don’t Baby Them
Don’t assume they won’t understand what needs doing just because they haven’t done something before or simply because it’s difficult.
Don’t Lecture
You’re not the driving instructor. Try to explain dangers without sounding preachy; if they can’t see it themselves, then nothing you say will help.
Don’t Drive Recklessly
following too close, etc., won’t just annoy them but could actually prove dangerous in an emergency situation (if you’ve suddenly had to slam on the brakes, for instance).
Remember: Driving is complicated, and if they’ve never done it before, then they can’t just suddenly do it perfectly one day. So be patient and give your teen every opportunity to grow into an experienced driver that you’ll be proud to have on the road next to you.
