Teen Driving and Safety

Passing the driver’s test and getting their license is an important time for teens. It signals the first step towards adulthood and true independence. As a parent, it’s natural for concerns to accompany this excitement, including finding a safe car for them to drive, increased insurance costs, and keeping them safe on the road. We understand this and created a list of safe driving tips for you to share with your teen.

Talk With Your Teen About Your Expectations

Make sure they understand that driving is a privilege. Before handing over keys to your teen driver, take time to clearly lay out your expectations for safe driving behavior. Consider developing a teen-parent contract detailing rules regarding speeding, texting while driving, alcohol use, passengers, etc., along with the consequences if your teen fails to live up to their responsibilities. This will help to make sure you are all on the same page.

Find a Safe-Driving Course

Inexperience can play a significant role in car accidents involving teen drivers. The more practice teen drivers can get behind the wheel with a certified instructor, parent, or responsible adult, the safer they will probably be. Safe-driving courses are another great option for helping teens learn about and establish safe driving habits.  Most safe-driving courses are available in-person or online and generally last between six and twelve hours. Your teen may also qualify for an insurance credit for successfully completing an approved safe-driving course.

Develop a Graduated License Plan

While Florida has graduated driver licensing laws in place, as a parent, you also need to be comfortable with when and how your teen is driving. Decide if you feel they are ready to drive on their own, what driving hours you feel are safe for them, and how many passengers you think they should have.

Talk About Driving Costs

Having your teen driver help with car-related expenses, such as the car itself, oil changes, insurance premiums, and gas, can help them take their responsibility more seriously and encourage them to be safe drivers. Discuss who will be responsible for what expenses and how those costs will be paid.

Encourage Them to Maintain Good Grades

In addition to helping your teen succeed in school and life, good grades can also result in discounts on car insurance. If your teenage driver is enrolled in high-school or college full-time and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better, they may be eligible for a Good Student discount from your insurance company. Some colleges and conferences may even offer additional discounts.

Get Them a Safe Car to Drive

When selecting the right car for your teen drive reliability and safety are key. Choose the safest vehicle you can afford. Whether looking at a new or previously owned vehicle, look for advanced safety features such as electronic stability control, front and side air-bags, head restraints, and antilock brakes. In addition to keeping your child safe, these can also result in discounts from your insurance company. Visit Palm Coast Ford and explore our inventory of vehicles and schedule a test drive today. 

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