Tips for Protecting Your New Driver
Most teens are excited to get their driver’s license and hit the road for the first time, but this can be a scary time for parents. If you have a new driver in your household, it’s normal to be anxious. Although statistics about teen drivers and accidents can be frightening, you can take steps to help protect your teen driver.
Here are some tips for helping your new driver stay safe:
Set a Good Example
Your child will learn from your example, so model good behaviors when they are in the car with you. Don’t text and drive, be courteous to other drivers, and maintain a safe speed. If your teen sees you being a careful and safe driver, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. On the other hand, if they see you texting or driving aggressively, it can be harder to convince them not to do the same.
Practice Frequently
Practice helps your new driver build their skills, so it’s important to do so frequently. Encourage your teen to drive with you in the car and give them constructive feedback. In addition to having your teen practice with you, it can be helpful to work with a driving instructor. This can relieve stress for both of you.
Warn Your Teen About Unsafe Driving
Before your child even gets their license, talk with them about the dangers of distracted or impaired driving. Make sure they understand the serious risks of texting and driving and of driving under the influence.
Set Rules and Expectations
Make it clear what you will expect from your child once they start driving on their own. You can even make a contract with your new driver if this helps both of you make sure you’re on the same page. Let them know what your rules are for times they can/cannot drive (e.g. limiting nighttime driving) and for the number of passengers they can have. Keep in mind there may also be limits for the number of passengers new drivers can have in your state. In addition to setting your own rules, make sure your teen is aware of and follows all traffic laws.
Talk About How To Handle Traffic Stops & Accidents
You probably don’t want to think about the possibility of your child being pulled over or getting into an accident, but it’s important to be prepared. Let them know what to do and give them the opportunity to ask about anything they are unsure of.
The unfortunate truth is that the conversation about law enforcement interactions tends to look different for non-white families. While we continue to work as a society to change this for the better, it’s important to acknowledge how the process of preparing new drivers can differ based on race.
How TurnSignl Can Help
Getting a TurnSignl subscription for your new driver can help ease anxiety for you both. This app allows the driver to immediately contact an attorney if they are pulled over or are in an accident, and to record the entire interaction on video. The attorney is trained in de-escalation and helps facilitate any law enforcement encounters.
This takes the pressure off your teen since they will have access to legal guidance if they forget any of the steps you’ve prepared them to take. As a parent, you’ll benefit from knowing your child is always driving with an attorney by their side. Our goal is to protect your new driver’s civil rights and help get everyone home safe.
