After spending years protecting your children from all sorts of dangers on the road and off, you now face the prospect of handing them the keys to the family car. As much as you hate to admit it, it's time for them to learn how to drive--so get prepared!
One of the first steps of preparation is to make sure that the recommended vehicle maintenance has been performed by your reliable auto shop on the vehicle your teen will be driving. Due to their inexperience, they may not be aware of the signs indicating car problems.
Secondly, use the following tips to help your teenager become a safe driver. You will be thankful for taking the time and making the effort.
Parent's Tips for Beginner Teenage Drivers:
- Begin discussions early -- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. Before your teens reach driving age, talk to your kids about traffic safety. You might also have conversations with the parents of your kids' peer groups and compare notes.
- Set the standard – Action is better than talking. Model good driving habits for your teens by following the same rules you expect of your teenager.
- Spell out the Rules and Outline the Consequences – Before your teenager begins driving, discuss what expectations you have of your teen. Set ground rules and outline the consequences for breaking them. Put them into a written contract if necessary. Self-reported surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving restrictions typically are involved in fewer crashes. In order for your teen to drive, they should agree to these five basic rules:
Rule #1: No Cell Phones and No Texting - Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving reduces the driver's reaction time significantly. Texting involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction and is among the worst of all driver distractions.
Rule #2: No Extra Passengers -- Teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.
Rule #3: No Speeding --Speeding is a major factor in teen crash fatalities. Always follow the posted speed limit.
Rule #4: No Alcohol -- Drivers 15 to 20 years of age are at far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than older drivers.
Rule #5: Always Buckle Up -- Wearing a seat belt is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers in an accident. By keeping drivers in a secure position, seat belts help all drivers maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
Remember: As a parent, you are the #1 influence molding your young adult into a safe and capable driver. Even if you think they don't hear you, they do. Don't let your teen become a statistic. Help your teen become a responsible and safe driver.
To make sure your vehicle is safe for your teen driver, schedule an inspection at our full-service auto center. Contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information about our auto repair services. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional maintenance services. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
After spending years protecting your children from all sorts of dangers on the road and off, you now face the prospect of handing them the keys to the family car. As much as you hate to admit it, it's time for them to learn how to drive--so get prepared!
One of the first steps of preparation is to make sure that the recommended vehicle maintenance has been performed by your reliable auto shop on the vehicle your teen will be driving. Due to their inexperience, they may not be aware of the signs indicating car problems.
Secondly, use the following tips to help your teenager become a safe driver. You will be thankful for taking the time and making the effort.
Parent's Tips for Beginner Teenage Drivers:
- Begin discussions early -- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. Before your teens reach driving age, talk to your kids about traffic safety. You might also have conversations with the parents of your kids' peer groups and compare notes.
- Set the standard – Action is better than talking. Model good driving habits for your teens by following the same rules you expect of your teenager.
- Spell out the Rules and Outline the Consequences – Before your teenager begins driving, discuss what expectations you have of your teen. Set ground rules and outline the consequences for breaking them. Put them into a written contract if necessary. Self-reported surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving restrictions typically are involved in fewer crashes. In order for your teen to drive, they should agree to these five basic rules:
Rule #1: No Cell Phones and No Texting - Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving reduces the driver's reaction time significantly. Texting involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction and is among the worst of all driver distractions.
Rule #2: No Extra Passengers -- Teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.
Rule #3: No Speeding --Speeding is a major factor in teen crash fatalities. Always follow the posted speed limit.
Rule #4: No Alcohol -- Drivers 15 to 20 years of age are at far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than older drivers.
Rule #5: Always Buckle Up -- Wearing a seat belt is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers in an accident. By keeping drivers in a secure position, seat belts help all drivers maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
Remember: As a parent, you are the #1 influence molding your young adult into a safe and capable driver. Even if you think they don't hear you, they do. Don't let your teen become a statistic. Help your teen become a responsible and safe driver.
To make sure your vehicle is safe for your teen driver, schedule an inspection at our full-service auto center. Contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information about our auto repair services. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional maintenance services. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
