Autumn Driving, Safety Tips for Your Teen
Autumn’s early sunsets, foggy mornings and falling leaves present a variety of roadway hazards–especially for teenage drivers.
“Fall driving can be challenging because it’s getting dark earlier and the weather is changing,” said Russ Rader, senior vice president of communications for the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. “It’s crucial that teens who are driving by themselves for the first time are kept out of the riskiest situations like driving at night, or with other teens in the car.”
Clear expectations and firm discipline breeds young drivers who are more likely to be responsible, he said. Parents must remember they literally hold the keys to their children’s driving habits.
“Parents should control the car keys and only give them the privilege of driving the family car,” Rader said. “Keeping control of the keys is the most effective method of enforcing the rules.”
The example a parent sets behind the wheel often speaks volumes more than anything that comes out of their mouth.
“Even if it seems like your teen doesn’t want to listen, they will model their behavior on what they’ve seen,” Rader said.
Rader offered some suggestions for the parents of teen drivers facing hazadous road conditions of autumn:
- Avoid placing new drivers in unfamiliar circusmtances such as driving at night or during inclement weather.
- Talk to your teen about the hazards of driving during fall and winter. Review safety tips such as safe driving distance during rainstorms and how leaf debris can create slick road conditions.
- Review car care as part of your safe driving discussion. As an example, routine maintenance helps prevent problems that can cause breakdowns when traveling to school events.
- Don't foget to review basic car care. For instance, a clean windshield reduces glare and dramitically improves visitibity–especially after early autumn rains that create smears and streaks.
- Review basic rules of the road. Remind them to use belts at all times. Remember, some states do not allow driving after 8:00 pm, or may have rulses against driving with other teens in the vehicle.
- Model good driving behavior for your teen.That's the best way to set an example and prevent your teen from risky driving behavior.