T e e n s at t h e w h e e l : A S P E C I A L R E P O R T
What can parents
do?
The following tips for parents of teen drivers were culled from
numerous resources: Web sites, interviews of experts and publi-
cations:
Lengthy, adult-supervised experience is crucial. Consider extend-
ing your teen’s learner’s permit period to nine months--certainly
longer than Illinois’ current minimum of three months--and use
that time for supervised driving in a variety of conditions.
Reduce risks by limiting the number of passengers under 21; se-
verely restricting driving after dark, particularly after 9 p.m.; and
forbidding the use of cell phones while driving.
Expect the teen driver to make mistakes. Use those mistakes to
reinforce safe driving techniques in a positive, clear coach/teacher
role.
Avoid lecturing. Be alert to opportunities for discussion. Ask
questions to stimulate self-discovery, and listen to your teens’ re-
sponses. Discuss what’s happening in his or her driver training
course. Use every opportunity, including trips in the family car, to
reinforce learning.
Know your teenager’s friends and their driving habits. Discour-
age your teenager from loaning a vehicle to friends and from “joy-
riding.”
Talk to parents of your teens’ closest friends about the limitations
and expectations you’ve imposed.
Insist that your teen controls speed. Make sure your young driver
understands that speed is the most common factor in teen crash-
es.
Teach the teen driver to search the “big picture” in front, around
and behind the car, and to expect the unexpected when driving.
Practice left-hand turns and then practice them some more. Teens
might consider avoiding left turns at intersections without signals
for the first few months.
Discuss the issues involved in a parent-teen driving agreement
and then write out a pact explicitly, including consequences, or use
one of the numerous versions available online. (See example on fac-
ing page.)
Set a proper example. Always wear a seat belt and insist they do,
also.
Don’t rush to get their drivers license.
When choosing a car for a teen, avoid SUVs (they are prone to flip-
ping), small cars (the driver death rate of the smallest cars is about
twice that of the largest passenger vehicles), sports cars (obvious,
right?), and cars made prior to about 1998, when front and passenger
airbags were mandated. The Allstate Foundation and other orga-
nizations contend the safest cars for teen drivers are relatively late
model, midsize or larger passenger vehicles.
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune