teen-drivers-safety-parents

Helpful Tips For Parents Of New Drivers

Few milestones are as definitive of your teenage years as getting your driver’s license, and when your child gets that tangible form of freedom, it can be exciting and nerve-wracking for you as a parent. You may be wondering how to walk that fine line of giving your teenager freedom without letting them loose- that’s natural! No matter what your concerns may be, safety always comes first. When your teen gets behind the wheel, they are responsible for the lives of everyone in the vehicle, so it’s critical to uphold safety precautions so that you and your teen can celebrate this significant moment in their life together. 

How Can My Teenager Stay Safe After They Get Their Driver’s License? 

While vehicle accidents are unpredictable, the age group most at risk are teens from ages 16 to 19. Even worse, data from the 2016-2017 National Household Travel Survey suggests that the crash rate for 16-year-old drivers is about 1.5 times higher on a per-mile basis. This piece of information isn’t meant to scare you, but by staying informed, you can have these essential conversations with your teen. 

  • Drinking and driving is bad news. Talk to your teen about the dangers of driving under the influence. If under 21, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) should be 0.00 because the 0.08 rule is for drivers over 21!
  • Stay educated on your state’s GDL laws. Restrictions and regulations concerning teenagers’ driving differ from state to state, but reading up on these laws can help you set some crucial ground rules for your teenager to ensure they are safe on the road. 
  • Never underestimate the power of a good role model! Children always look up to the caretakers that took care of them in their formative years, and those lessons learned carry on when they become teenagers and get their driver’s license. You can show your teen that you practice safe driving by taking them on practice sessions- not only does it give you valuable bonding time, but it also gives your adolescent a chance to brush up on some basic driving skills. 

How Can You Instill Healthy Habits In Your Teen If They’re Driving At Night?

Driving at night requires a certain level of precision and care that encourages you to take extra precautions to ensure your adolescent is safe on the road. 

  • Notify your teen to check their headlights and ensure they aren’t fogged over, especially during colder seasons. 
  • Even though this can be challenging during the teenage years, getting at least eight hours of sleep is key to staying alert and awake when driving at night. 
  • Avoid two-lane highways because these areas can aggravate night-time glares. Typically, these roads have sharper turns and more curved lanes than highways, so if you’re driving at night, try to take a safer route. 

We hope you took something away from the tips above! While we hope your teen stays safe on the road, accidents happen when you least expect them. If you need quality-service towing, hauling, and roadside assistance, Tow Pro can take care of you! With over two decades of experience serving the Middle Tennessee area, we do all the heavy lifting- literally! By being client-focused and efficient, we have achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Need us this summer? Call us at (615) 256-TOWS (8697) or fill out this contact form. We’re here to help!

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