Seeing your child gain their driving license can be a proud moment. It can also bring relief, knowing you’ll no longer have to drive them everywhere. Yet, the principal emotion you will probably feel is worry.
You’ve likely seen plenty of crashes in your time and may know people who suffered severe injury or died in one. Combine that with your insight into how teenagers function, and it’s no surprise you may be concerned.
The statistics show you are right to worry. Teenagers consistently rank high in annual crash statistics. They are three times more likely (per mile driven) to die in a wreck than drivers aged 20 or over. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chance your child becomes one of those statistics:
Monitor them
Some cars have technology that enables the owner to monitor the person driving it. If yours does not, several phone apps perform a similar function. They can inform you if your child is speeding, braking harshly or using their phone, among other things.
Accompany them
Why not make use of your child’s newly acquired driving skills? Have them run you around town for a change or pick you up from a late night out. It’s a great excuse to check their driving firsthand and offer advice.
Restrict them
Your child may overestimate their ability to cope with challenging conditions or particular stretches of road. If you think the approaching snowstorm will make it too dangerous for someone of their experience, tell them they can’t go. If you fear they may drink at the party they want to drive to, refuse to lend them the car.
Despite these precautions, your child could still have a crash. Don’t be too quick to blame them. It might be the other driver who was at fault. Getting help to learn more will be essential.