Preparing Your Teen for the Road: Essential Driving Tips for Parents
As parents, there are milestones in our children's lives that we really look forward to. First steps, learning to ride a bike, first day of school. Then there are the ones we anticipate with a bit more dread. Potty training, their first sleepover, and then learning to drive. The thought of sending our kids onto the roads, with all its uncertainties and variables, can stir up a mix of pride and worry. But take heart. Here at DEKRA we understand the range of emotions that go with this big step, and we want to share some essential driving tips for parents to help make things a little easier. If you guide your teen to becoming a safe and responsible driver, the whole process can be a rewarding journey of growth for both of you... If you ignore those Sunday afternoon driving lessons and the frustration and impatience that sometimes go with them.
Now, the most important thing you as a parent can do is to make sure that your teenager gets into a vehicle that is safe to drive. And it's pretty easy to do that. Simply bring the vehicle they will be driving for a DEKRA Roadworthy Vehicle Inspection. It's the best, most proactive way to protect your child while they're on the road. Click/tap here to find a DEKRA branch near you.
Here are our essential driving tips for parents to prepare their teenagers for the roads ahead.
1. Prepare Them for Diverse Road Conditions
Teach your teen to adjust their driving style according to the kind of road they are driving on. Our local roads come in various conditions, from modern highways to rural streets that may be poorly maintained, and they should keep that in mind. They should know how to navigate gravel roads safely and the importance of slowing down on uneven surfaces. It will also be a smart move to make sure they know what to do when the weather changes and how to stay safe in various conditions.
Read: Weather-Related Driving Hazards
2. Defensive Driving Against High Crime Rates
Given the high rates of road crime in some areas, teach your teen driver to be observant and cautious, especially at night or when stopping at traffic lights. Emphasise the importance of keeping doors locked, windows up, and being wary of potential hijackings or theft. If possible, have them avoid areas known for being dangerous.
3. Handling Minibus Taxis
Taxis are a common sight on our roads and they can sometimes drive unpredictably. Teach your teen to maintain a safe distance, anticipate sudden stops or lane changes, and never assume a taxi driver has seen them. Tell them to pay close attention to taxi passengers getting on or off as well.
Photo credit: Musa Dhlamini on Unsplash
Read: Road Safety Tips: How to Navigate South Africa's Roads Safely
4. Emergency Preparedness
Teach your teen driver what to do in case of an emergency, including who to call and what information to provide. They should know emergency numbers or have them saved on their phones, know how to change a tyre, and have a basic understanding of first aid.
5. Be Animal Aware
A pet unexpectedly running into the road is something all drivers have to keep in the back of their minds, especially when driving in residential areas. Teach your teenager to be extra vigilant in the mornings when people leave for work and when they return at night. If you live in a more rural area, wildlife on the road can be a hazard you need to look for as well.
6. Respect for Pedestrians
Pedestrian fatalities are high here in SA. Stress the importance of being vigilant for pedestrians, especially in poorly lit areas or where unexpected road-crossings are common.
7. Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving
This one should go without saying but we'll add it to our list of essential driving tips for parents. Local laws are strict when it comes to drinking and driving. Emphasise the legal limits and the importance of never driving under the influence. Discuss the severe penalties, dangers, and consequences associated with driving under the influence.
Read: It Starts with You, Don't Drink and Drive
8. Use of Electronic Devices
Make sure your new driver understands that it is illegal to use mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Encourage the use of hands-free devices if necessary and ensure that they never text while driving.
Read: The Dangers of Talking on the Phone While Driving
9. Lead by Example
Parents, you're the first and most influential driving instructor your teen will ever have, and your behaviour behind the wheel speaks volumes. Every time you buckle up, respect speed limits, and patiently yield the right of way, you're teaching your teen that safe driving is a way of life. It's about showing them, not just telling them, how to navigate the roads with respect and responsibility.
Photo credit: Omotayo Tajudeen on Unsplash
As you prepare your teen driver for the road, patience, practice, and positive reinforcement are our most essential driving tips for parents. These principles lay the foundation for nurturing safe, responsible drivers who are ready to face the road's challenges. Yet, the readiness of the vehicle they're driving is equally as important. Ensure their safety by bringing any vehicle they will be driving for a DEKRA Roadworthy Vehicle Inspection. This simple, proactive measure can make a significant difference in their driving experience, reinforcing the lessons you've taught them with the assurance of a safe, dependable vehicle.