1.
Don't drive at night. In 2009, 17 percent of teenagers'
fatalities occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight, and 26 percent occurred
between midnight and 6 a.m. reducing night driving is one way to address this
crash risk. Parents need to set curfews and be aware of where and when your
children are driving.
2. Turn it down. Teens love to listen to music, but it’s
important to be able to hear the road noises around you. Also, make sure your
teen does not drive with headphones on. Encourage them to turn off the radio
and focus on the road. It is important to be aware of not only the sights, but
also the sounds of the road, as well.
3. Don’t drive when you don’t have to. If the weather is bad
or your teen is tired or upset, don’t let them drive. And talk to your teen
about when it rains-the roads will be much slicker, especially in the earliest
part of the storm where a thin coating of water, sand and oil can produce very
slippery surfaces.
4. Make sure your teen has a safe and well-maintained car. See
to it that the car’s tires have plenty of tread left and that pressures are
properly set. Make sure all lights work, the brakes are in good condition, and
the air bags are functioning correctly (as in, there are no warning lights on).
If you can’t afford a new car, a recent model year vehicle will do.
5.
Wear
comfortable, functional clothing. With the summer here, plenty of
teens are walking around in flip flops and while that is fine for the beach,
it’s not safe behind the wheel. A flip flop can easily get caught in the brake
or accelerator pedal. The same goes for high heels or big boots. Have your teen
wear an appropriate pair of shoes behind the wheel and save the fashion
statement for later. Sneakers can be left in the car just in case.