New Drivers....Teenage Drivers

With spring comes many new, teenage drivers.  Many of these new drivers, have spent what may have felt like countless hours (both for you and them), learning the laws of the road, the operation of a vehicle, and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.

Research shows that a new teenage driver's biggest obstacle in driving is lack of experience.  According to the the CDC teens are more likely to "underestimate dangerous situations or not recognize hazardous situations...more likely to speed and allow shorter headways...[and] have the lowest rate of seat belt use."

What can you do to help keep your new driver safe?

• Educate your teen.  Research shows that scare statistics do not work.  Your teenager has already learned about some of those horrifying statistics.  Instead, help them understand what some of the risk factors are.  Include the following: driver inexperience, driving with teen passengers, nighttime driving, not using seat belts, distracted driving (this includes texting, talking on the phone, etc), drowsy driving, reckless driving, and impaired driving (this includes emotional state). CDC
• Enroll your teenager in a Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL).  This program will give your new driver additional experience in driving and includes continued parental involvement. It's important to spend time driving with your teen even after he/she has received a driver's license. This give you an opportunity to gauge how your child is doing, and will help him/her become more aware of potential hazardous situations.
• New Driver Deal.  Put together a driving agreement.  This might include family rules regarding vehicle usage, times to be home, who can ride with the new driver.  An example of a New Driver Deal can be found here.
• Example. You've heard "actions speak louder than words."  You've also heard, "Do as I say, not as I do." Don't take chances that your teen will follow driving laws when you don't. Never practice a behavior you wouldn't want your teenager to practice. Nonverbal communication goes a long way!

Learning to drive is a rite of passage in our culture. Help your new teenage driver be safe and enjoy the new opportunity!

Teen Driver Safety Week

October 16-22 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Many of you have teens on the road and may be concerned as they walk out the door with keys in hand.

Too many accidents happen each year due to unsafe teenage driving.  Risks involved can range from not wearing seat belts to speeding, to extra passengers, to distracted driving and even alcohol use.

Many of us have heard incredibly frightening statistics about teen drivers.  Many of those statistics were probably shared when we were back in school taking driver's ed ourselves.  However, studies show that those "scare" tactics rarely work.

So instead of sharing some of those scare tactics, focus on what you can do to keep your teen safe.  The first thing you can do is be an example.  Follow speed limits, don't talk on your phone or text while driving, and always be sure to never consume alcohol or drugs while driving or prior to driving.

Next, talk to your kids.  They can't listen, if you're not talking.  No guarantees your teen will listen the first time, but as you talk with them in nonthreatening situations, and over and over, they will listen.

The NHTSA has put for a "5 to Drive" campaign.  The "5 to Drive" are:

1. No Drinking and Driving.  Teens are under the legal age to drink, and should never consume alcohol. You can also be an example by never drinking and driving, regardless of your age.
2. Buckle Up.  Everyone in the car should always be buckled up.  It doesn't matter if passengers are in the front seat or the back, a child or an adult, a short trip or a long one.  Everyone needs a seat belt!
3. Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel.  It is very easy to become distracted while driving.  Recommend that your teen (and yourself as well), keep their phone out of reach and on silent while driving.  It is illegal to operate a handheld device while driving in Utah, regardless of the age of the driver.
4. Stop Speeding Before it Stops You. As your speed increases, so does your stopping distance.  It is important to follow the speed limit on the road, and also to decrease your speed as needed due to weather, temperature, and other factors on the road.
5. No More Than One Passenger at Any Time.  With the increase of passengers, your teen's risk of a fatal crash goes up.  In Utah, a teen driver 15-17 cannot have other passengers in the car, besides immediate family for the first 6 months.  Stick to the laws, they are there to keep you and your teen safe.

Having a teenage driver in the house is really one of the best things out there.  You have another driver in the house that can run errands for you, drop kids off at lessons, or friend's house, and it helps your child take on more responsibility.  Arm your teen with the proper skills they need to be safe on the road.

Do You Have a New Driver?

It seems that as summer approaches, there are more young drivers on the road each year.  Receiving your driver's license is a huge milestone in many teens lives.  It means mobility and freedom.

Unfortunately, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.(CDC)  However, there are some steps you and your teen can take to prevent car crashes and keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Know Your Car: Make sure your teen is familiar with your car.  They should be familiar with the different features your car comes with and should always keep the gas tank at least 1/3 full.
• Seat Belts: I can't stress this one enough!  No matter how you look at it, seat belts save lives.  A driver or passenger will always be safer when wearing a seat belt.  Encourage and set the example for your teen to always wear a seat belt.
• Slow Down: Speed limits are there for a reason: to keep you safe!  Speeding is one of the main causes of fatalities in teen accidents.  
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: This can be anything from kids playing near the road, to a sunset that makes it hard to see.  You can't always assume a child will stay out of the road, or that another driver will see you even though you are blinded by the sun.  Take precautions, and drive carefully.
• Distracted Driving: There are so many distractions as a person drives down the road.  You have your cell phone, your friends in the car, a catchy billboard, etc.  Always stay focused on the road and be aware of what's going on.

Having an extra driver in the house can definitely be a positive thing.  So take the proper precautions and enjoy watching your teen become more independent!