So your teen just got their license and is feeling on top of the world! They eagerly ask you if they could take the car out to go to the mall or go visit friends, but, like all parents, you hesitate.

Teen drivers are statistically more at risk than adult drivers due to their inexperience. According to research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 16- to 17-year old drivers are nine times more likely to be involved in a crash than adults and six times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults.

Of course, when parents become involved in teaching their children safe driving, these statistics become less shocking.

Teaching your teens what to look out for and how to be safe on the road not only protects your child but also their passengers and others around them.

Here are three tips for protecting your teen driver.

Minimize Distractions

Minimizing distractions is the number one thing that can help teen drivers stay safe. Some of these distractions include using cell phones, having rowdy friends in the car, or even eating while driving.

Minimizing distractions can greatly reduce the chances of getting in a car accident. While your teen may have the ability to drive alone now, parents should instill rules for using the vehicle.

Drive Defensively

It’s important to reinforce driving defensively. This means keeping a safe distance away from the car in front, obeying all traffic signs and traffic rules, and generally just being aware of the surroundings.

With time and practice comes wisdom, and teen drivers need to keep up what they learned in defensive driving in “real world” situations.

Vehicle Maintenence

Driving is a privilege, and your teen should treat the vehicle as such. This means teaching your teen the basics of car maintenance.

Teaching your teens routine maintenance can really help them out in case they encounter an emergency. Some tips you can teach your teen about are:

  • How to change your vehicle’s oil
  • How to check fluid levels
  • How to change a flat tire
  • How to use a tire repair kit

These tips can really help your teen navigate any kind of problem they can encounter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while your teen may have their license, they aren’t equipped with the knowledge and wisdom of navigating the road.

It is the job of parents to help prepare their teen driver for the wide open road!

If you’re looking for a great vehicle for your teen, visit our website and schedule a test drive once you find the perfect vehicle!