With inexperienced teenage drivers the most important rule for parents to follow is substance over style. That is to say, think safety first when handing over the keys to your newly licensed child.
With summer in full swing your teenage driver is undoubtedly grabbing the car keys quite frequently and buzzing here and there every day.
Who better than the Department of Motor Vehicles to offer up some safe driving tips you can pass along to your teenager before they get behind the wheel.
"It's a fact. Teenage drivers account for more auto accidents than any other age group," the website begins. "So, if you're a teen driver, does that mean you should just stay home all the time? Take public transportation? Beg an older driver to take you to your destination? Not necessarily. By practicing these safe driving techniques -- such as driving defensively -- you'll increase the odds you'll keep yourself safe on the road."
The DMV offers up some excellent safety tips to help make the roads a safer place for everyone this summer and beyond.
Perhaps the DMV's first two tips will resonate with everyone as they revolve around keeping the cell phone off when in the car. "Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk -- that's even when using a hands-free phone. Besides, your state may prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. Many do for drivers of certain ages," the DMV cautions.
The DMV also suggests even simpler, more obvious tips such as turning your headlights on and obeying speed limits, explaining that young drivers often feel pressure to keep up with traffic when other motorists are speeding.
General awareness of surroundings and what you're doing behind the wheel are also a big part of the DMV safety suggestions. "Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind," the site notes. "Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds."
Lastly, make sure your teen is driving a safe vehicle that features some of today's latest safety technology such as such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and air bags.
