When your teenager is old enough to drive, he or she may feel excited to get a driver’s license and drive independently. But you may have concerns about your teenager getting a license and having the freedom to drive.
According to the National Safety Council, car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. Although you cannot control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to help your teenager become a safer driver to prevent a serious accident.
Enroll your teenager in a driving course
You may want to enroll your teenager in a driver safety course to help him or her learn about the basics of driving. You may be able to find one of these classes through your child’s school or through a community resource.
Set a good example
Your teenager likely notices how you drive and your normal driving behaviors. For this reason, always wear your seatbelt, refrain from using your cellphone and obey the rules of the road when you drive, especially when your teenager is with you.
Provide plenty of opportunities to practice
To become a safer driver, your teenager needs plenty of opportunities to drive in varying conditions. Practice driving with your teenager at night, on the freeway, while it is raining and in other conditions.
When your teenager gets his or her driver’s license, talk to him or her about setting some rules regarding driving. For example, you may want to prohibit your teen from driving at night or from driving friends places for the first few months following licensure.
