Driver Safety Education Blog

This article was thought to be appropriate for this blog. I certainly agree. My thanks go to the media person from Ford of Canada who was kind enough to send it to me.

Parents: How to Tackle the Other Talk

Edmonton, AB, February 14, 2011 – As a parent, there may be nothing scarier than handing over the family car keys to your young teen driver. No matter how many hours you have spent sitting in the passenger seat with your child – your hands clenched and your foot like lead on that imaginary brake – you worry: Are they prepared for the uncertainties of the road?

While many families choose to enroll teens in a driving school, it’s likely that your teen will still need lots of practice in the car with you. Ford suggests the following to make “The Talk” a joy ride:

1. Understand the license rules. The Province of Alberta requires new drivers to hold a Learner’s License for at least one year, and it takes a minimum of three years to progress through the graduated license process and become a fully licensed driver. There are restrictions on each level, so make sure your teen understands his or her responsibilities as a learner, probationary driver or fully licensed driver.

2. Know the rules of the road and the name(s) of the game. Be sure you are familiar with driving rules. Use the correct terms to refer to vehicle and road parts. In case of panic, your young driver will turn to you, and you need to be prepared to respond quickly and with confidence.

3. Gauge their understanding. It is very common for teen drivers to be nervous starting out. As you drive with them, make sure they understand everything that you are explaining. It can be very easy for them to become overwhelmed.

4. Stay calm and positive. Don’t get frustrated! If you start to get discouraged, they will too. Remain patient and encourage your teen as much as possible. This will make it easier for you to get your point across.

5. Practice makes perfect. Do everything you can to encourage your young driver to practice, practice, practice. If they volunteer to drive you to the post office, let them. While the stress may make it a chore at first, think of how much better you will feel when it comes time to hand over the keys for good, knowing that they practiced.

6. Reinforce the facts. By now all teens have read or heard about teen driving fatalities linked to driver distraction, drinking and other behaviours. Make it a point to reiterate these issues whenever possible. Driving is a privilege, not a right.

For more information on Ford of Canada, visit www.ford.ca.

Safe Driving...Learn the rules...Learn the road...

Cheers - Mike