Advice for Teaching a Teen to Drive
by Greg Chapman

Description: Tips for teaching your teen how to drive without losing your sanity.

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There is no doubt that teenage drivers pose a higher risk for car accidents than any other segment. As a parent, demonstrating safe driving practices yourself is crucial, since your child establishes opinions about road etiquette by observing your driving style. Make sure your teen is mentally ready to take on the responsibilities that go along with the driving privilege, and do not force the issue. Some teens are counting down to the day they can drive and others are cautious and in no hurry whatsoever.

Start slowly. If it is your teen's first time behind the wheel, take the time to acquaint him or her with the locations of all controls in the vehicle. Have the teen adjust mirrors, activate turn signals and windshield wipers and become familiar with the locations of the gas and brake pedals. Begin in a parking lot or other area without traffic for the basics. Have the teen practice stopping, turning and parking the vehicle in a controlled environment. Once the teen has become comfortable with his or her control of the car, move to an area with slightly more traffic, such as a residential street. Only move to higher traffic settings as the driver builds confidence with his or her abilities and feels ready for a bigger challenge.

Your demeanor is important to a successful driving lesson. In teaching a teen to drive, it is important to remain calm and focused on helping the teen develop safe driving habits from the beginning. If you are anxious and jumpy, your teen will pick up on that energy and feel the same, hindering the ability to build confidence in his or her skills. Act composed and confident and you will encourage the same from your child. Clearly state what you want when giving instructions, and use caution with criticism. Make sure the teen understands the repercussions of unwanted habits and why you are discouraging certain behaviors.

Encourage constant alertness. The focus and 360 degree awareness that make a safe driver may not come naturally for your teen. Help your teen develop a habit of periodically scanning the surroundings for other vehicles beside and behind, hazards or stopped traffic ahead and posted warning signs.

Besides practicing driving, you should also talk to your child about the seriousness of the responsibility he or she is assuming. Make sure to reiterate the importance of staying alert and focused, even with friends in the vehicle, a distraction proven to increase the risk for teen accidents. It may be worthwhile to enroll your teen in a professional driving course in addition to your instruction, which will give him or her more practice and help contribute a safer driver to the roadways.

Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin has relied on since 1959. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

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