If you are a parent of a North Dakota teenager, you may dread the day they receive their learner’s permit and begin driving. Along with all the other worries common to parents of teenagers, you must now worry about your teenager being out on the road.
Although there are many types of worries you have, the dangers and temptation of distracted driving today is likely to be one of your biggest concerns. Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving.
Even just a few seconds of distraction can cause a catastrophic accident. Using a phone is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Other forms include talking with friends in the vehicle, adjusting a music or navigation system, eating or drinking.
Teenagers and distracted driving
When combined with an inexperienced driver, the risk of a distracted driving accident is even greater. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration specifically states that teenagers’ inexperience with driving makes them more susceptible to distracted driving, with one in three teenagers admitting to texting while driving.
Despite your wishes, you probably cannot forbid your teenager from ever getting behind the wheel. However, here are some tips to keep your teenager safe and reduce their chances of a distracted driving accident.
Carefully consider the best vehicle for your teenager
Choosing a safe vehicle can make a huge difference in reducing distraction. Larger vehicles are generally safer than small vehicles. A vehicle with the latest safety features and technology that makes driving easier will make your teenager less susceptible to distraction.
Do not assume that a driver’s education course will provide everything necessary for your teenager to become a safe driver. While passing a course is vital to learning how to drive safely, teenagers often need additional practice.
Practice driving with your teenager
You will need more than a few sessions outside of their necessary driver’s education course. Conduct a series of sessions over several months.
Start slowly. Teach them the rules of the road, point out street signs and what they mean and practice driving in many different settings. Work up from driving on low speed, residential roads to highway settings. Educate them on hazards to watch for.
Continue these training sessions after your teenager receives their driver’s license. Passing a test and obtaining a driver’s license does not automatically make someone a safe driver.
Emphasize the importance of safe driving
Teenagers are also susceptible to peer pressure and tend to listen to their friends rather than adults. Therefore, if their friends regularly use their phones, talk with each other or engage in any other distracted behavior, they will be more apt to do the same.
Have regular discussions with your teenager about the risks of distracted driving. Remind them that they are not invincible and they do not have to do something just because their friends do.
Practice good habits yourself
Your teenager is not going to take your lectures about distracted driving seriously if they see you regularly using your phone while driving, speeding or driving recklessly.
By taking an active role in your teenager’s driving, you can reduce their chance of an 0accident caused by negligence.