Just as your children have milestones they pass during their childhood, there is one milestone the two of you will share that will probably scare you to death: When your teenager is behind the steering wheel and you are sitting on the passenger side.
This is a parenting first that you wish you could avoid. The sad truth is that young drivers are almost half as likely to die from a traffic related accident compared to an older driver. Teenagers are known for their cocky and invincible attitudes, and they take these attitudes with them when they are on the road driving, sometimes taking careless and stupid risks.
As the saying goes, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” So, if you think that your teenager has awful driving habits, take a few moments to think about your own. You will probably recognize from your own driving, the errors that your child makes. There are several pieces of bad advice that you should avoid giving your child when they are learning to drive.
Do What I Tell You to Do, Do Not Do What I Do
If you tell your child to do one thing, but you are practicing another, you will leave your child confused at best. Do not tell your child not to text and drive, if they see you pick up your cell phone every time you back out of the driveway. Parents should realize that when a child is between the ages of 10 and 12, they really begin to notice parents’ driving habits. Your children are paying attention even when you think they are not.
You Can Speed A Little, It Will Not Hurt
How many times have you heard your friends say that they consistently drive faster than the posted speed limit? If you can count how many times you have heard them say that, imagine how many times their children have heard them say it.
It is never a good idea to tell a teenager they can go faster than the posted speed limit, or to stay with the flow of traffic on the roadway. If you or your teen is caught speeding “just a little” over the posted speed limit, your car insurance could increase significantly.
Just Look Over the Front of the Car Whilst You Are Driving
If you are looking at the front of the car when you are driving, you will not have enough time to make a quick judgment in case of an accident or other issue. You should always focus at least two intersections ahead of you. If you are traveling in the country, you should focus as far out ahead of you as you can.
These are just a few of the things that parents say to teen drivers that they should not
Driving is not a right, it is a privilege.
If you want your child to enjoy the privilege, teach them the correct rules of the road…
Read More: healthyfamilymatters.com
