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Studies Find Kind, Firm Parents Have Safer Teen Drivers
Sep 28 2009 by Jennifer Newman
Most parents know the importance of setting limits for their children. It should come as no surprise that it helps teen drivers, too. Actively involved parents who set and enforce boundaries are more likely to have a safe teen driver, according to two studies in today’s “Pediatrics” journal.
Teens with involved parents cut their risk of drinking and driving by 70 percent. Those same teens are 50 percent less likely to speed and 30 percent less likely to use their cell phone while driving. If you suspect your teen driver is texting while driving, consider showing them this graphic PSA.
Teens’ lives are most at risk in the car. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for 16- to 20-year-olds. The risk of an accident increases if there are passengers in the teen driver’s car, if they’re speeding or if they’ve been using alcohol or drugs.
Curbing bad driving behavior isn’t easy, but the key for parents is to be kind but firm. Parents need to strictly enforce their driving rules, but do so in a kind, loving way. Parents should try to help their teen driver understand that the rules are there to keep them safe, not to limit their fun.
What kind of rules should parents set for their teen drivers? Ken Ginsburg, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and author of one of the studies, recommends:
• No passengers during the first six-12 months of driving
• Limit driving in bad weather
• Enforce curfews
• Parents control car keys
Of course, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so don’t be afraid to reward your teen driver with more privileges once they’ve been driving successfully and by your rules for awhile. Just don’t go crazy and buy them a car. According to the studies, kids without their own car are 50 percent less likely to get into a crash.
