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Preparing Your Teen for a Safe Back-to-School Drive
With the back-to-school season fast approaching in Lynwood, WA, parents and teenagers are getting ready to embrace the excitement and challenges that come with it. In this blog, we’ll explore a back-to-school-themed guide emphasizing the significance of responsible driving habits for your teenager’s journey to school and beyond.
1. Require Distraction Free Driving
Make sure your teen knows that distracted driving isn’t an option–an accident can happen in just a microsecond. In today’s digital age, distractions pose a significant risk to teen drivers. Highlight the dangers of smartphone use, texting while driving, or engaging in any other activity that diverts their attention from the road. Emphasize the need to maintain a laser focus on driving, enabling them to safeguard themselves and others from potential accidents. There are apps that can help your teen stay off their phones when on the road.
Encourage your teen to have their GPS ready to go, music already set up, and an automated message to you or friends that they’re currently driving.
2. Teach By Doing
Leading through your actions is one of the most impactful ways to educate your teen about safe driving. Remember, your behaviors carry weight and influence your teen’s driving habits. By practicing safe driving techniques, adhering to traffic regulations, and showcasing responsible behavior behind the wheel, you create a strong foundation of safe driving habits for your teen to emulate.
If your teen is having difficulty with a route or is a little nervous, take them along for a ride and make sure to talk through all the things you are doing. Your safety is important as well, so following traffic laws and driving safely has benefits beyond being a good role model for your teen.
3. Equip Them with Defensive Driving Skills
Teaching your teen defensive driving techniques equips them with essential skills to navigate the roads safely. Educate them on maintaining a safe following distance, scanning for potential hazards, and anticipating the actions of other drivers.
Consider enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course, which provides practical knowledge to handle various road scenarios effectively. There are also tons of videos on YouTube to support a working knowledge of defensive driving techniques.
4. Illustrate the Consequences of Reckless Driving
Discuss the severe consequences of reckless driving with your teen to drive home the importance of responsible behavior. Shed light on the legal penalties, potential injuries, and emotional trauma resulting from reckless actions behind the wheel. By instilling an understanding of these repercussions, you encourage your teen to embrace responsibility and respect for traffic regulations.
In your household, you can set additional rules or boundaries for safe driving. Natural consequences of driving past curfew, speeding, or even texting and driving should be implemented. This also comes with clear expectations being set–make sure to talk to your teen about when they can be out driving, who can be in the car, and how far you’re comfortable with them driving on their own.
Get Your Vehicle Checked Out At STS Quality Auto Care
STS Quality Auto Care in Lynwood, WA, shares your commitment to promoting safe driving among teens. Lead by example, maintain open communication, underscore the significance of distraction-free driving, teach defensive techniques, and emphasize the consequences of reckless behavior. Remember, a little guidance and effort today lay the foundation for your teen’s future as a responsible and safe driver.
Before your teen hits the road, make sure that their vehicle is in tip-top shape. Trust our dedicated team of professionals to provide exceptional auto care services, including maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Contact us at 425-787-6600 or visit our location at 17205 Hwy 99 in Lynnwood, Washington, to ensure your vehicle stays compliant and runs smoothly. You can schedule online or give us a call!
