Teen drivers need limits
DEAR DOCTOR K: My son is going to get his driver’s license in a few months. How can I help him get ready for this new responsibility?
DEAR READER: Taking the test to get my first driver’s license was one of the most emotionally charged moments of my teenage years. Being able to drive oneself around is an important step toward independence. Boy, did I want that independence.
I aced the written test of driving rules. But there also was the test of my driving skill. More on that later.
When your kids get their driver’s licenses, it’s liberating for all of you: You no longer have to drive them everywhere, and they no longer have to depend on you for rides. But it also means more worries for you. Motor-vehicle accidents are the No. 1 cause of death for adolescents.
Here are some steps you can take to help your son drive safely:
n Don’t rely solely on driver’s education programs. These courses can be helpful, but you are still your child’s key role model. Make sure your son always sees you wearing your seat belt, driving within the speed limit, driving defensively and taking responsibility for your vehicle.
n Limit night driving. Driving at night is more difficult, especially for less-experienced drivers. In addition, it is at night that kids are more likely to be driving with more passengers, more distractions and a greater likelihood of alcohol use.
n Do not allow passengers. Passengers, especially other teens, are a major risk factor for accidents involving teen drivers. They cause distractions that new drivers cannot handle well.
n Practice driving with your son. Help him learn to handle difficult situations like night driving and heavy traffic by practicing with him.
n Insist that seat belts be worn at all times. Make it a family rule that everyone must wear a seat belt when driving or riding in any car.
n Do not allow drinking and driving. Urge your son NEVER to drink if he is driving and NEVER to accept a ride from someone who has been drinking.
n Plan for emergencies. Make sure your son knows what to do in case he (or a friend) has been drinking and was supposed to drive home. Let him know that he can call you and you will pick him up, no questions asked. It is also a good idea to make sure he has enough money with him at all times for public transportation or cab fare.
n Choose cars carefully. Base your decision on safety and not image. Investigate the crash-test performance of different vehicles. Spend money to have certain safety features installed. It is well worth it.
Oh, yes, my driving test. The examiner — let’s call him Darth Vader — failed me for going 27 mph in a 25-mph zone. He wanted to impress upon me the importance of speed limits. Fortunately, when I returned for my repeat driving test, Darth was nowhere to be seen, and the Force was with me.