You’ve been protecting your kids since they were babies, and that doesn’t stop when you hand them keys to the car. The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages families to set the rules before their teen driver hits the road. Here are five rules to help inexperienced drivers stay safe behind the wheel:
No cell phones: LOL…SMH…OMG shouldn’t be anyone’s last words. Distracted driving is a deadly problem. Drivers who are texting (or talking on their cell, putting on make-up, reaching for another fry, or otherwise multitasking) are not concentrating on the road.
No extra passengers: Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of passengers in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers. And, Georgia law limits the number and type of passengers a teen can have in the car.
No speeding: Speeding endangers everyone on the road…drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. While drivers of all ages may drive at speeds above the posted limit, young people are more likely to be in accidents in which speed is a factor.
No alcohol: Underage drinkers (and those under the influence of drugs) who drive are a risk to themselves, their passengers, and other folks on the road. And, “buzzed” driving is drunk driving.
Buckle Up: Simply stated, seat belts save lives. Properly wearing a seat belt is one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make.
You have more influence on your teen than you may think. Have a conversation with your student driver (or soon-to-be-driver) to share your expectations for safe driving and go over these important rules and the driving laws in the state of Georgia. And know that your teen is watching you for cues as you model the driving behavior you want your young driver to emulate.