Driving Ambition
Six things parents should know about teens behind the wheel.

by Lisa Grant

‘Twas the night before her 16th birthday, and all through the house, a young lady had visions of a driver’s license dancing through her head. Mama and Papa, on the other hand, had nightmares about car accidents and insurance rates. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash than any other age group. Having the right information can help ease the stress of having a new driver on the road. Here are six things you can do as a parent:

1. Know your teen. Just because your child hits the magical age of 16 doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is ready to drive. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is my child conscientious, responsible, and honest?
  • Does my child exhibit overall good behavior?
  • Has my child had enough practice, and am I confident in his or her ability to handle most situations?
  • Do I trust him or her to drive responsibly?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” give your teen specific ways to earn your trust over a designated period. For example, you might say, “If you do your homework and chores every night for three months without being reminded, you can take your driver’s test.”

2. Know the law. In Wisconsin, new drivers have limits on the number and type of passengers and the hours allowed to drive. Parents can find information on the DOT website (www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/gdl/). Minnesota does not have these restrictions, so parents should consider enforcing similar restraints.

3. Know the risks. “The No. 1 risk factor for teens is inattentive or distracted driving,” says Officer Drew Gavrilos of the La Crosse Police Department. This includes distractions from cell phone use, other passengers, eating, and stereos. Gavrilos said speed ranks No. 2 on the list of dangerous behaviors, followed by alcohol use. More fatalities are involved when alcohol is a factor.

Other mistakes teens make behind the wheel, according to Cars.com, are:

  • Following too closely
  • Driving unbuckled
  • Not being able to handle emergencies
  • Driving drowsy
  • Choosing the wrong car and not maintaining it

Discuss with your teen what can happen with each of these behaviors. It’s not enough to say, “Don’t drink and drive.” Say something like, “If you drink, your ability to control the car is dangerously weakened. You could easily cause an accident, hurting or killing yourself, your friends, or others. You also could get a very expensive ticket, lose your license, and make your insurance rates go up significantly.”

4. Know the value of an agreement. Establish a driving contract with your teen. This allows you to set the ground rules and consequences. Some guidelines you may consider are:

  • Seat belts are not an option
  • No alcohol or drug use
  • Cell phone use and eating banned while vehicle is in motion; no changing CDs or radio stations either
  • Good grades required
  • No driving in unfamiliar areas without a parent, at least for the first six months
  • Bad attitude equals no car

Set consequences and follow through when rules are broken, as well as for traffic violations and at-fault accidents. Find contracts you can customize at www.parentingteendrivers.com.

5. Know your legal responsibilities. Do you know you are legally liable for what your teen does behind the wheel? Kerri Bandell, agent for State Farm Insurance in Onalaska, recommends parents visit their insurance agent to ensure proper coverage.

Bandell advises parents to bring their teen with them on this visit. “It’s important for teens to be comfortable with their agent in the event of a claim,” Bandell says. “And it’s good for teens to understand their coverage and what it is costing Mom and Dad.” Bandell also suggests parents inform their young drivers what to do in the event of an accident or breakdown.

Some companies have specific programs designed for teen drivers, such as the Teen Safe Driver program from American Family Insurance. This program uses camera technology and parent feedback to help teens become safer drivers. Onalaska agent Terry Sullivan says, “The Teen Safe Driver program has proven to improve and reduce driving incidents by 70 percent in the first year.”

6. Know the power of your own example. “Your kids see and pick up on the things you do, such as road rage or using the cell phone. Drive the way you want your kids to drive,” says Officer Gavrilos.

Lisa Grant is the editor of PARENtEEN (nnym.net/sites/parenteen).  She has survived two teen drivers and has the gray hairs to prove it.