In doing research for this month’s topic of Teen Driving, I found the statistics startling. In a 2010 study conducted by the National Safety Council, it is reported that an average of 10 teens died each day in motor vehicle collisions in the United States in 2009. The majority of teenage related traffic collisions are determined to be preventable and the cause being related to lack of time behind the wheel and lack of driving education.
For a teen, getting a driver’s license is a major milestone in their lives and they are excited to have the freedom of no longer asking for rides with parents, siblings or friends. For the parents of the teen, this can be one of the most stressful and scariest moments in their lives. But as the parent you have the ability to influence your teen’s driving behavior and shape them into a safe and experienced driver. Teaching your teen driving skills should cover more than the basics. You should also include topics of practicing good driver judgment, defensive driving, distracted driving, and being responsible while on the roadway.
There are several resources available for parents of teen drivers that will assist in educating your child in safe driving behavior. Check with your auto insurance company, your state department of driving services, safe driving organizations such as the National Safety Council and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), and also government organizations including the CDC and NHTSA. These resources can provide parents with information such as a parent/teen driving agreement, tips on how to talk to your teens about safe driving, and graduated driving licensing programs available in your state.
You can make a difference in your child’s driving behavior by getting involved, talking with them and being their key to safe driving.
