As parents, we are always worried that our children will run into some accident or that something bad may happen to them. When they become teenagers, this worry just intensifies the moment they are allowed to drive a car. They may have passed their theory tests and practical tests but to our minds, our children are still children and they need our help to avoid trouble. Here are some ways you can help your teenage child driver:
Steps to take before they apply to be a driver
Once the child has expressed their intention to apply for a driver’s licence, there are some ways you can influence them into being safer drivers. Children learn by seeing and copying. If you want your children to be safe drivers, you yourself have to drive safely as well. Be a good example early on so that it will imprint in their minds that this is the right way to go.
Once they are old enough to express their intention to apply for a driver’s licence, talk to them about their future plans. Discuss the kind of vehicle they will be driving in the future, as well as the risks associated with each of them. You must communicate the risks involving teenage drivers. About 20% of teen drivers get into an accident within 6 months from getting their licence.
Traffic accidents are also a leading cause of death in younger people ages 17 to 24. The risk of getting into an accident rises proportionally with the number of passengers in the car. Thus, it is important to relay these statistics to the young driver so that they will understand the risks involved. Enrol him in driving lessons with competent service providers, or teach them yourself. Enrol them in practice theory tests online to prepare them for their actual test.
Steps to take after they get their licence
Once the teenage driver has received their driving licence, communicate with them about their car options. Buying a new car will be more expensive but it will require lower insurance costs. In comparison, older cars or second-hand cars are cheaper but they may also have hidden defects or they have higher risks of breaking down than brand new ones. Older cars also tend to require higher insurance premiums because of the higher risks. As a general rule, if a teenage driver will be primarily driving the car, insurance premiums are higher than if the car’s primary driver is a man 30-40 years old. Help them choose the most appropriate insurance coverage for their cars.
To highlight the risks involved in cars driven by teenage drivers, point out accidents broadcasted in the news involving drivers within their age group. Be vigilant if your children will be driven by their friends or partners who are also teenage drivers. Warn them of the dangers of teenage driving, even though you get branded as an interfering worry-wart. It pays to be a worrier than lose a child due to negligent driving.