The thought of your teenage driver hitting the road without supervision is enough to drive you crazy. Even so, you know this is bound to happen at some point in the future. That’s why it’s so important to speak with them about safe driving.

There is no way to prepare your teen for every possible situation, but there are some basic things you can discuss to give them the knowledge necessary to remain as safe as possible.

  • Stick with it: You must have the confidence necessary to stick with your approach, knowing that you have the power to impact your teen’s behavior when driving.
  • Show them how it’s done: If you want your teen to be a safe driver, you need to show them what it means. For example, if you follow the rules of the road while they’re in the car with you, they’ll see how to drive safely. Conversely, if you’re always texting and driving aggressively, they may assume it’s okay to do the same.
  • Talk about potential risks: From nighttime driving to distractions, from drowsy driving to driving under the influence, share as much information with your teen as possible. You want them to be fully aware of the risks that exist.
  • Don’t stop: Even if things are going well, it doesn’t mean you should stop talking to your teen about safe driving. Stay involved, such as by discussing safety risks in the local area, monitoring driving habits and asking questions.
  • Share advice on what to do in an accident: Even if your teen is a safe driver, not everyone follows the rules of the road. Your teen could be involved in an accident, and you want them to know what to do should this happen.

By doing these things, you’ll be more confident in your teen’s ability to remain safe on the road.

If your child is part of a motor vehicle accident, make sure they receive the best possible medical treatment. Also, learn more about the crash, including who was at fault.

The information you collect will help you when filing an insurance claim and deciding if there is any way to hold the other driver responsible for your child’s injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Source used: www.travelers.com/resources/auto/teen-driving/driving-safety-talk-for-teens