For your teenager, learning to drive is a big deal. Passing their test is a rite of passage; it is a sign that they have reached adulthood. It means that they are now ready to strike out and become more independent. For a teenager, getting their driver’s permit also means freedom.
Unfortunately, for parents it often means worrying and pacing the floor while you wait for your teen to return home. At least for the first few weeks, after they have passed their test. We all worry about our children when they are learning to drive, or have just started to go out in a car on their own. This is only natural, but there are ways to ease the worry both while they are learning to drive, or have just passed their tests.
Learning tools
To become a safe driver you have to learn new skills. You need things like reading the road, maneuvering and understanding road markings to become second nature. Most of the accidents that learner drivers have are caused not by excess speed, but by a lack of experience. Often what happens is that a new driver comes across a situation that they are not familiar with. This causes them to hesitate for a moment too long, or they make the wrong decision, and have an accident.
The more familiar your child is with things like road signs and the rules of the road the better. If interpreting these things is second nature rather than something they have to think about, they are far less likely to have an accident.
To help them to learn about traffic signs, and the rules of the road, apps like the ones available from this website, are invaluable. They make learning the basics easy, fast and, to a certain extent, fun. The more your kids use these apps the easier it will be for them to pass their test, and become safe drivers.
Apps and gadgets that keep them safe while driving
Just a few weeks ago, we reviewed Zubie Teen, which is an app that monitors the way your teenager is driving, and warns you of unsafe habits that they may be developing. Another example of an app that is specifically designed for teenage drivers is SafeCell.
This simple app uses GPS to work out what the hands free and texting legislation is and make sure that your teenager complies with it. Provided the teenager drives safely and resists the temptation to text while driving, they can earn rewards. Once they have accrued enough points they are entitled to claim vouchers, which they can use at retailers like Amazon or Macy’s. Rewarding good habits is a great way to encourage your children to stay safe.
Extra lessons
Another great gift will help to keep your teenager safe is advanced driving lessons. Once your child has been driving for a few months they will be ready to learn advanced driving skills, which will make them even better drivers.
