Do you have a teenager in your household who is learning to drive or a newly licensed driver? Follow these driving safety tips for teens to help keep them safe on the road, especially when you’re not there to supervise their behind-the-wheel behavior.
Enroll Your Teen in a Safe Driving Class
Enrolling in a driver’s education class for new drivers will reduce your anxiety and also give your teen added know-how on the road. Not only will you not have to sit through those early days of lurching between the accelerator and the brake, but your child will also get expert instruction in safety and strategy.
In addition to the basics of operating a vehicle, driver’s ed classes typically deal with the following:
- Emergency braking and evasive maneuvers
- Highway and high-speed driving
- Merging, changing lanes, and turning
- Driving in reverse
- Safety in crowded situations and parking lots
- Anticipating potential dangers in advance
- Dealing with accidents
Set Rules and Expectations in Advance
Once your teen is driving on their own, it’s wise to sit down and have a chat before their first solo venture. Outline rules in advance, so everyone is on the same page. Be clear about your policies regarding curfews, driving peers, taking the car to school, letting you know where they’re going, and the like. Let your teen know what the consequences of violating those rules are, both with you and the law.
Outfit Your Vehicle with Emergency Gear
If it isn’t already, make sure your car or truck carries basic emergency gear, especially if you are driving in snowy weather, such as:
- A spare tire and tire changing kit
- Traffic cones
- Safety vest
- Jumper cables
- Shovel and cat litter or sand
- Extra blankets
- Food and water
- Contact information for insurance and roadside assistance
Be sure your teen knows what to do in case they are in an accident or get stuck while away from home. Basic instruction in how to properly call for help, how to jump-start an engine, and how to change a tire can go a long way in easing everyone’s mind.
Make Sure Your Insurance Coverage Is Up to Date
And last but not least, don’t forget to contact your insurance agent to make sure your auto insurance policy has been updated to reflect your new driver and to ask about any other changes you might want, such as an increase in liability coveragen and policy limits.