Getting a driver’s license can be one of the best days ever for a teen. However, it may not feel that way for parents. Teenage driving is a dangerous activity that parents are naturally concerned about. But with the right tools and preparation, parents can help instill driving habits that will keep their teens safe on the road.
Share Teen Driving Facts
Because many teens think they are invincible, it is important to educate them on just how dangerous teen driving can be. Share facts that show how careless and distracted driving can increase the odds of a car crash.
The Florida Drivers Guide for Parents and Teenagers share statistics that show the reality of teen driving.
- The first 1,000 hours behind the wheel are the most dangerous.
- The #1 cause of death among American teenagers is car crashes.
- One-third of fatal teen car crashes is caused by speed.
- Teen accident rates double when the number of passengers goes from two to three.
- Teens are more likely than any other group to have a single-car crash.
Review Common Driving Mistakes
Review common driving errors so your teen is aware of them and recognizes how to correct and avoid them.
- Distracted Driving (playing with phone or radio, paying attention to others in the vehicle)
- Driving Aggressively
- Speeding
- Swerving/Over-correcting
- Failing to Yield
- Driving While Upset
- Not Adjusting to Weather Conditions
- Tailgating
- Not Understanding the Intentions of Other Drivers
Set Driving Rules and Create a Contract
Agreeing to a driving contract early on gives you the opportunity to lay out expectations and set consequences if the rules are broken. Create a document that your teen reads and signs.
Every teen should agree to most important rules.
- I will wear my seatbelt at all times.
- I will never text, talk, or use a cell phone while driving. (I will keep it in the glove box or backseat.)
- I will pull over if I need to use my cell phone.
- I will never go over the speed limit or drive recklessly or aggressively.
- I will never drink or do drugs before driving (and never ride with someone who has).
Then, go over rules and expectations that are unique to your and your teen.
- Driving Hours: Set a time frame when your child is allowed to use the car. Make sure to consider local laws for drivers under the age of 18.
- Number of Passengers: Set a rule for how many passengers are allowed in the car.
- Violations and Tickets: Set consequences for receiving violations. Decide who is responsible for paying for tickets.
- Vehicle Responsibility: Discuss vehicle maintenance and who is responsible for repairs and gas. Teach your teen how to notice signs that maintenance is needed.
Install MamaBear App
When your teens get their license, you can’t always be with them to ensure they are incorporating safe driving habits. But there is a way for you to make sure your teen isn’t speeding (or riding with other drivers who speed).
The Mama Bear Family Safety App has a feature that will alert you if your teen is in a vehicle that is going over your set speed limit. The app will tell you where the incident occurred. This helps you hold your teen accountable for their actions and further stresses the importance of safe driving habits.
Your teen getting their driver’s license doesn’t have to be a scary day for parents as long as you follow these steps and use tool like MamaBear Family Safety app (available for both iPhones and Androids).
If you liked this blog, you should read:
1. Parents Are Most Distracting to Teen Drivers
2. 5 Benefits of Using MamaBear to Monitor Teen Driving
3. The MamaBear Family Monitoring App Can Help With Parental Anxiety About Teen Driving