Teen Driving

Help Your Teen Stay Safe on the Road

© Barbara Gibson

Fatal car accidents involving teens are among parents' worst nightmares. There are no guarantees, even with preparation, but we still have to keep talking to our teens.

The teen years are a heady time filled with new experiences and challenges. It is easy to understand the common feeling of invincibility among teens. Often, it is the risk taking, fueled by the feeling of invincibility, that makes this time so exhilarating for teens and so worrisome for parents.

Teen driving is one of the biggest of those worries. Newspapers, radio and television abound with stories of promising young people gone suddenly…and too soon. There are few more piercing heartbreaks.

There are no easy answers or guarantees. Still, we have to keep talking to our kids. We also have to lead by example; show them what safe driving looks like.

Teens learn not only from listening to what we say (yes, they do listen), but also by watching what we do.

So...what are parents to do?

Model good driving behavior

Value safety over style

Let your teen assume some responsibility

Before privileges are reinstated parents may want to institute a program of restitution. For example: teens may be expected to pay for their own speeding tickets or increased insurance costs.

Suggestions for teen road rules include limitations around:

Every parent wants the best for their child. Our worries often increase in direct proportion to our teen’s growing independence. Talk with your teen early and often to encourage a period of independence that is about being safe, responsible and…alive.


The copyright of the article Teen Driving in Parenting Methods is owned by Barbara Gibson. Permission to republish Teen Driving must be granted by the author in writing.




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