The day that a teenager gets their driver’s license is a big day in their journey to adulthood. It’s no secret that teenagers are some of the most dangerous drivers on the road. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the second top leading cause of death among teenagers. Even though they are just learning how to drive and have a way to go before they are deemed “good” drivers, there are things you can do as their parent to instill good driving habits. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic is here to talk about what you can do to help your teen become a safer driver.
When Can You Start Practicing to Drive?
The number one thing that will make a driver a better driver is experience. You can’t simulate it either. There is no other way to get the experience needed to be a good driver than to get in that car and go for a ride. Parents that drive with their teen can expect that teenager to get a little better each time they are behind the wheel. Start small, in parking lots and your neighborhood and work up to roads and highways from there.
Practice Driving in Different Weather & Other Conditions
Once you feel like your teen has a handle on and has mastered driving with you, it is time to mix things up a little bit. Make sure they get experience driving at night, on dirt roads, main roads and even in bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway. Of course, you will want to make sure they are ready before throwing them into these different conditions, but when you feel they are ready, the experience will be invaluable.
Avoid Distractions when Driving
Even those that have mastered driving and are considered excellent drivers, can get distracted at times. For teenagers just starting out, you need to make sure there are rules in place to keep them from getting distracted. Avoid allowing them to drive with friends in the car, their cellphones in the front seat, loud music on and other things that could potentially distract them from the task at hand.
Teach Basic Car Maintenance
Having maintenance performed on your vehicle can be the difference between driving safely and finding yourself stranded on the side of a busy road. Teach your teenager how to check for oil levels, tire pressure, windshield washer fluid levels and other key maintenance items that can keep them safest while on the road.
Auto Body Services, Vehicle Tune Ups, Mechanical Repairs & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
Even if you have practiced and practiced with your teen, accidents happen. If your teen has been in an accident and you have a vehicle that got damaged in the process, you can rely on the mechanics at Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic to restore it again with our auto body services. When we finish with your vehicle, you won’t be able to tell it was ever in an accident. Call us today!
