There is no question that most teens lack the experience to make them ideal drivers and decision makers behind the wheel, but that doesn’t mean that parents have no choice but to “take their lumps” when it comes to teen drivers and accidents. Parents actually have a lot of power to help make sure that their teens learn how to be better drivers.
Be a Good Example
The first step in ensuring that your teen is a good, safe driver is to always be an example to them whether they are riding in a car with you or you are driving alone. If they hear about your tickets and traffic court dates, they might assume that they can ignore traffic laws and simply ask for forgiveness after the damage is done, if they even get caught. So make sure your driving is as stellar as you want your child’s to be, at all times.
Safe Driver Discount
Most Colorado car insurance carriers offer good driver discounts for teens that stay accident free but it will also depend upon their driving record. It is important to avoid accidents, but you should also steer clear of speeding and reckless driving offenses, DUI or DWI convictions, and other infractions that can tarnish your record.
Read the Handbook Together
There are two ways a would-be driver can read the DMV handbook before taking the test; the would-be driver can read it like someone who wants to temporarily memorize it or as though they want to actually learn something. Many teens, blinded by the all-encompassing goal of getting a driver’s license, work diligently to memorize the handbook and then dump the info from their brain before the plastic cools on their newly minted license. When you work with your teen driver and study the manual together, you can be there to explain the concepts in the manual to them in a way they won’t forget, and you can ensure that the education they receive is a lifelong one.
Don’t Lose Patience
Driving with a teen is not a fun experience for most parents and it is a difficult time to actually teach. Often, teens get embarrassed and defensive when their driving behavior is corrected and this makes it difficult for them to actually take in what you are saying. Don’t lose patience and don’t take the offensive with your teen. Always remember that you were once in their seat, and try to communicate driving critiques in a manner you would have appreciated.
Watch Videos
There are many videos available online and at your local library that help people improve their driving ability. Watch these videos with your teen and talk about the different topics and situations that are found in the video. You can even bring these lessons out into the real world when you go driving with your teen.
Teaching your teen to be a better driver is something that takes a big commitment from both of you. If you work together, you can ensure that your teen walks away with knowledge he or she will apply and that will keep them safe when they’re on their own behind the wheel.
Call us at 877-430-0092 for a comprehensive Colorado car insurance quote.