Summer Safety Tips for Your Teens

July 13, 2007 | By Marie In Parenting Teens |

So … your teen has passed his driving test - he has received his driver’s license and of course is going to start driving. Yikes! Mom and dad begin to worry. It’s summer and the teens will be spending more time on the road. Below are some safety tips you can share with your teens to ensure that they stay safe on the road this summer:

- Let your teen be aware of when he can drive the car. Set the rules. If he is a beginner in driving, start him off by driving only during the day time - perhaps for the first six months. After that, when he starts driving at night make sure to let him know that he can drive only up until a certain time.
- Limit the areas where you allow your teen to drive.
- Until they are well practiced in driving, and until they know the rules of the road by heart, discourage them from taking on any passengers when there is no adult supervision. Remind them that they need to focus on thedriving and not allow their friends to distract them with conversation.
- Be a good example to your teen driver. Avoid using the cell phone or even eating while you are driving. Never tailgate or speed up. Keep it cool - and do not invoke any road rage. Always wear your seat belt. Never drink and drive.
- Drive with them as often as possible during the first few weeks. Remind them of the signs and street names. You could even mix up the routes so they become used to driving to different places.
- Teach your teen how to put gas in the vehicle. Make sure you teach them what proper type of gas your vehicle takes and show them how to put air in the tires as well.
- Make sure that the car your teen is driving is well maintained. Check the tires regularly; windshield wiper fluid; water; brakes; windshield wipers, etc.
- An emegency road kit is helpful too. Make sure to have one in the car.
- Teach your teen how to change a tire, how to use road flares, and what to do in an emergency.

You would probably need to remind your teens about these tips over and over again until it really sinks in. Make sure to mention to your teen that although you trust that they will try their best to be safe while on the road, other drivers may be reckless on the road - so your teen needs to avoid any unfavorable situation.