Teen Driving

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jenn on November 22, 2008 at 7:00pm

My kids are a little too young for this, but I do have younger brothers one is 15 and two cousins, one is almost 16 and one 14. We have a really good drivers ed class here, where the kids in class are sitting in a simulated car, plus they get to drive with an instructor. My main concern when I think about them driving though is just a few things. One, is SEATBELT!!!!! I see too many kids not wearing them! Also, kids that age tend to want to ride their friends around, and thats ok, but they get distracted way too easily, they are talking or listening to music etc.. I have seen a ton of wrecks because of this. Also cell phone useage. Its one thing for an adult to be on the phone, but kids just learning to drive do not need to be texting or talking on the phone while driving, in my opinion, I think thats my major concern, and I would like to see something promoting the dangers of that.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nealie on November 23, 2008 at 7:56am

Jenn,

Thanks for your thoughts. You hit the two major reasons for teen fatalities in driving accidents - no seatbelt and distractions.

Now, what do you think would get into the heads of these teens? How can we effectively communicate with them? and not AT them? How can we help parents communicate with their teens?

- Nealie

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jenn on December 8, 2008 at 11:25am

Tell you the truth, Im not so sure..But something that helps some kids around here, is the fire and police department make these videos now, of actual wrecks, the outcome, the reason behind them, and the wreckage itself..I think seeing reality helps kids realize, ok that could have been me..

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Angie H on December 8, 2008 at 12:09pm

I have a 17 year-old. He got his license this past summer. I do wish the schools had a Drivers Ed program, but at least our state does require a few things that I like. One is the 6 month period as a permited driver. They also require you to log so many hours of driving time with an adult with you. I know those hours could be fudged, but I made sure that my son got all that was required. Then for the next 6 months he was only allowed to have 1 unrelated person with him under the age of 18, (So no driving around a car full of teenagers) and he wasn't allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6am.

My personal rules have been, no answering or talking on the cell phone while driving. (pull over if you feel you have to talk to someone) no fiddling with the radio (set your CD or radio station before you leave) and ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nealie on December 10, 2008 at 7:18pm

I agree with that. My cousin is learning to drive and our other cousin was involved in a bad wreck. Well, the dads got together and re-told the story to the younger boy - just to scare him and let him know what's really at stake. Interesting.

Jenn said:

Tell you the truth, Im not so sure..But something that helps some kids around here, is the fire and police department make these videos now, of actual wrecks, the outcome, the reason behind them, and the wreckage itself..I think seeing reality helps kids realize, ok that could have been me..

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nealie on December 10, 2008 at 7:20pm

Angie,

Thanks for the input. A few questions for you: - did you sign an actual parent-teen driving contract with your son? (many websites have these) - what state do you live in? (curious because the laws are different in North Carolina) - how many hours / miles did you log with your son? and finally - do you plan to keep checking in with him?, such as riding shotgun once a month to make sure he's following your rules?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Angie H said:

I have a 17 year-old. He got his license this past summer. I do wish the schools had a Drivers Ed program, but at least our state does require a few things that I like. One is the 6 month period as a permited driver. They also require you to log so many hours of driving time with an adult with you. I know those hours could be fudged, but I made sure that my son got all that was required. Then for the next 6 months he was only allowed to have 1 unrelated person with him under the age of 18, (So no driving around a car full of teenagers) and he wasn't allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6am.

My personal rules have been, no answering or talking on the cell phone while driving. (pull over if you feel you have to talk to someone) no fiddling with the radio (set your CD or radio station before you leave) and ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This