Parents
What online resources can I use to help convince my child of the dangers?
There are resources to help in the discussion about what can happen when you take your eyes off the road ahead. Here are some sites that can be effective to share while you have these conversations. Videos can be particularly...
What types of distracted driving besides texting should we discuss?
All distracted driving issues should be discussed extensively. Some teens may not think certain behaviors are a distraction. They include: Eating Drinking Talking to passengers Adjusting the radio Using other digital devices Talking on the phone (even hands free) Putting...
What driving tips should I recommend to my son or daughter?
When driving with your teen, verbalize what you are doing.” “I’m checking my mirror, as I have to change lanes.” “Now I am shoulder checking.” “I am noticing that speed limit sign.” “I am signaling my turn.” Your child will...
How do we discuss the serious issue of peer pressure?
One of the most effective ways to approach this issue is role playing. This allows your son or daughter to come up with his or her own ideas of workable ways to handle difficult situations that could arise, such as...
Are sites that tell stories about other teen driving accidents a good teaching tool?
There are several sites that are extremely effective, and you need to review the available online resources. Videos made by teens or presented by teens are more effective. Young people are more likely to listen to someone their own age...
What can I do to model good driving conduct?
If you take a “do as I say, not as I do” approach, you’re in trouble. Ask your child if he or she has seen you take risks behind the wheel. Listen carefully, take responsibility for your own driving conduct,...
How do I find out what will be presented to my child in Driver’s Ed classes? What can I do to reinforce these messages?
Get a copy of the Driver’s Ed curriculum and review it. Choose a Driver’s Ed class that has the most extensive training and that has video content. Teens are more likely to learn with visual content rather than being bombarded...
How can I get my son or daughter to understand the gravity of safety, and that death or serious injury is a real possibility?
Teenagers may not take the idea of mortality very seriously, and they often brush off subject of death with a “that won’t happen to me” response. It is imperative that you break through this barrier in your discussion. Listen to...
How can I get my child to take the discussion seriously, rather than thinking I’m just lecturing?
Teenagers are in a period of transition, and although they are children, they feel invincible and obsessed with gaining more freedom as well as the ability to make their own decisions. This can create barriers in a parent being “heard.”...
