How to Teach Your Teen To Drive: A Guide to Teaching Your Teen Safe Driving
Parents can have an important impact on teaching their teenagers to practice driving safely and in gaining confidence in their skills. When it’s time to put their safety and others, along with the investment of your automobile in their hands, you’ll want to make sure they’re prepared. In fact, statistics show that teen drivers are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal crash, especially within the first few months when they begin driving. It may take some patience, but becoming a skilled driver requires time and experience. Following these steps can help you and your teenager feel more comfortable when they get behind the wheel:
- Keep it short. If lessons are too long, nerves can get frayed
- Teach street signs, and the laws and rules of the road before getting behind the wheel
- Explain the need for constant vigilance and instruct how distractions such as those from cell phones or passengers can cause accidents
- Encourage them to practice continuous visual scanning for potential road hazards
- Familiarize them with the auto controls, such as lights and windshield wipers
- Find a vacant area or quiet road to begin the basics of moving in drive and reverse, turning, and braking
- Use an empty parking lot to give them a feel for how anti-lock brakes work in wet or slick conditions
- As lessons progress, be sure to provide a variety of driving environments such as highways, rain, or nighttime to improve their skills
- Explain the steps to take in the event of a breakdown, accident or emergency
- Contact your insurance agent and make sure your teen is covered
It takes time for new drivers to learn to anticipate risks and have an awareness of the actions of other vehicles, in addition to how their speed can effect the space needed between vehicles. The major difference between new drivers and more experienced ones is how precisely they anticipate potential hazards. Their reactions become faster and more accurate with more experience.
One study revealed that more experienced drivers began to show a bodily response just before a dangerous road event occurred compared to novice drivers who didn’t show a response until after the hazard had already taken place. With patience, education, and practice you can help your teenager to become a safe and confident driver.
For additional help with your auto insurance needs contact Pettineo Insurance Agency today at (954) 493-9424 or visit www.pettineo.com for a free quote.
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