Keeping your teen safe on the road becomes a serious concern when he or she learns to drive. As a parent, emphasizing rules for new license-holders can help create a culture of safe driving in your home.
Review these safe driving tips for teens as you prepare for your high school student to earn a learner’s permit.
Follow probationary license laws
Indiana requires new drivers to have a probationary license for 180 days after passing the road test. During this time, new drivers cannot travel with passengers younger than 21, drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., or use an electronic device behind the wheel except to call 911 in an emergency. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute indicates that even one passenger doubles a teen driver’s crash risk.
Discuss drunk driving
Talk to your teen about driving under the influence long before he or she has a license. Let your child know how important it is to stay sober as a driver and call for a ride if he or she drinks.
Set a seatbelt example
Seatbelt use prevents countless auto accident fatalities. Stress the importance of wearing a seatbelt to your teen and set a good example by always using your own seatbelt.
Avoid driving distractions
Your teen should never talk or text on the phone while driving. As with seatbelts, show your teen the correct behavior by stowing your own device when you are behind the wheel. Many phones have a “do not disturb” feature that can also help curb distractions that cause serious accidents.
Taking this advice to heart can help your teen become a safe, responsible driver.
