Fright Night: When are Teens Ready to Drive Alone?

Published on October 31, 2016 08:17 PM in Maintenance

Almost every teenager has heard the phrase “You need experience to get experience.” So how do teen drivers overcome the conundrum?

“Driving is a difficult skill that takes a good deal of experience to master,” said Kathy Bernstein of The National Safety Council. “Parents can and should continue to practice with their teen even after they get their license.”

The NSC is helping sponsor October’s National Teen Driver Safety Week, an awareness campaign hosted by various safety agencies.

One crucial way parents can guide their teen is by sitting down with them and discussing the expectations and consequences of driving, Bernstein said.

To help initiate that conversation, the NSC has a contract available on its website parents can use to discuss the privilege of driving with their children. The contract lays out expectations parents can relay to their teens and outlines potential consequences.“The contract covers calling once they reach a destination, not texting and driving and what to do in the case of a breakdown or accident,” Bernstein said.

If encouragement doesn’t work, technology offers ways of keeping your teens accountable.

Modern cars can integrate with apps that communicate with a vehicle through its diagnostic port.

The program, available through some insurance providers or third-party developers, allows parents to see how many miles their teen is driving and even how fast they’ve gone.

“There’s no app or device that is a substitute for staying personally involved with your teen driver,” Bernstein said. “The best training is still taking a ride with your teen for at least 30 minutes a week.”

Bernstein gave the following tips for helping keep your teen driver safe:

Spend 30 minutes a week driving with your teen after they get their license. One-on-one time helps you learn their habits and give them suggestions on how to drive carefully.
Accompany your teen as they become accustomed to driving in different weather conditions and different times of day. Give them the benefit of your experience as they learn to navigate wind, fog, ice or bright sunlight.
Technology can be your friend. Apps and programs are available to track your teen’s driving habits. The programs only work with newer cars and are sometimes available through insurance companies.