If your son or daughter is approaching that magic 14 years and 9 months mark, they are anxious to get behind the wheel and start driving. The thought of it probably sends your anxiety through the roof. As ready as they think they are to handle driving, you know that this is a huge responsibility and not one that should be taken lightly. Ultimate Auto Repair wants you to feel good this major milestone by arming you with the talking points to prepare both of you for the day you hand over the keys to your teen driver.
Avoid Risky Driving Behavior
With as much time we spend in our vehicles it is easy to forget just how powerful and dangerous they can be. Remind your teen that anytime they are behind the wheel they should be 100% focused on the road and the cars around them. Phones and driving don’t mix. Discuss the importance of a zero phone policy with your teen. No text messages are so important that they can’t wait. Speeding may seem like a good idea when they are running late for soccer practice, but it only increases their chances of getting a ticket or into an accident.
Along with driving behavior, prepare your teen for the risks involved with driving during adverse weather conditions. Nighttime driving and driving in rain, snow, or fog should be approached with the utmost caution. Let them know that if they are ever nervous about road conditions to pull over in a safe place or ask you for a ride instead.
Practice Frequent Check-Ins
Just because your teenager can hop in the car and hit the open road, doesn’t mean they should. Make sure they always tell you where they are going and a time frame for their return. Anytime plans change or they are going to be more than five minutes late they should call or text you with an update. Not while driving, of course.
Never Mix Alcohol & Driving
This should go without saying, but it doesn’t. Talk to your teenager about the dangers of drinking and driving or getting into a car with someone who has been drinking. Ideally, they won’t have anything to do with alcohol at all. However, this isn’t an ideal world. Put a plan in place in case your child ever finds themself in the situation where they need a safe ride home. After all, their safety is your primary concern.
Preventive Vehicle Maintenance is Crucial
You may not have thought of this one. Part of being a responsible driver is to be a responsible car owner. Bring your new driver along next time you have your car serviced. Teach them about what needs to be regularly maintained and what questions to ask their mechanic. And once they are old enough to drive alone, put them in charge of their oil change and maintenance schedule.
When it is time for your teenager to start driving and caring for their car, bring them to Ultimate Auto Repair in Jackson, MI. Our team of expert mechanics while talk them through the process and make sure they get the best possible service.
