Teens experience various rites of passage. Few are more important to them than securing their license to drive legally. However, before that monumental event, they must learn how to properly operate a motor vehicle.
As a parent, the experience brings fear and stress. Protecting your children, and the driving public is the top priority. Various resources exist to clarify the ground rules and ensure a teen driver’s level of readiness before placing the keys or FOB in their hands. Educating them on using their seatbelts, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and, equally as necessary, the continuing and confounding rise in distracted driving. Texting while driving is illegal in many states, and should be avoided at all times.
Lay down the law
Laws have changed since parents went through the steps involved in successful driver’s education, necessitating revisiting those regulations and passing on that knowledge. Now is the time to lay down your own law by setting parameters for seatbelt use, night driving, driving with passengers, and sidestepping smartphone use, not to mention other equally distracting technology.
Even though they are not yet of age to legally drink, proactive education on the severe and potentially fatal consequences of impaired driving is important. The best education is setting an example, particularly regarding potential DUI, but also safe and sound defensive driving skills.
Driver’s education goes beyond teaching and testing. As a parent, you have to be proactive in imparting advice. No one will have more influence on your offspring. Get involved early, continue watching over them, and teach them how to stay safe.
