Tips for Parents

Ten helpful tips for parents:

1. Set a good example. “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” doesn’t work! Keep in mind:

  • Complete stops
  • Headchecks
  • Yellow lights
  • Acceleration
  • Right-of-way
  • Seatbelts

2. Be involved.

  • Discuss what is happening in the traffic safety education course.
  • Review text materials and articles to reinforce your teenager’s learning.
  • Be alert for discussion opportunities (without lecturing).

3. Be positive, be clear, be flexible, be forgiving.

4. Focus on concentration, courtesy, judgment, and responsibility.

5. Set ground rules in order to provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate maturity and responsibility.

  • Teach your teen to use seatbelts.
  • Insist that your teen controls the speed of the vehicle.
  • Prohibit your teen from drinking and driving.
  • Require your teen to observe curfews.
  • Know your teenager’s friends and their driving habits.

6. Make sure the student is familiar with all controls and safety devices within the vehicle.

7. Keep the driving trips short and frequent.

8. Expect your student to make mistakes.

  • Separate physical errors (turning the wheel too soon) from mental errors.
  • Look for positive situations to make positive compliments.

9. Refrain from talking too much.

  • Discuss driving route prior to driving.
  • Keep the directions simple.
  • Give proper advance warnings for maneuvers.

10. Remain calm.

  • A soft, steady voice is most helpful.
  • Keep a sense of humor.

 


Parent Night was very informative… I know exactly what to expect!

Philip and Gail S.

Very polite, friendly, took the time needed to answer all my questions…Very informative… It made me feel comfortable hearing the tight expectations, safety requirements and all done with a sense of humor.

Tamara and Judson H.