By Colleen Benzin | Managing Director, Apparent Insurance
In these unprecedented times, many aspects of our daily lives seem far from “normal”, necessitating a period of adjustment for all of us. Social distancing presents an opportunity to cultivate new skills while directing our focus to a select few activities—one of which is guiding your teenager towards becoming a responsible driver. With lighter traffic on the roads, it’s an ideal moment to nurture safe driving habits and equip them for unexpected situations.
Encourage Them to Stay Focused
As a parent of a teenager preparing to drive, your main concerns often revolve around fundamental skills such as proper merging techniques and frequently checking mirrors. However, amidst these worries, it’s crucial to discuss one of the most significant dangers on the road—distracted driving.
When we mention “distracted driving”, many immediately think of texting while driving. However, distractions encompass a much broader spectrum, including common behaviors that drivers often engage in unwittingly. The human brain is designed to focus on one task at a time, and what we consider “multitasking” is simply a rapid switch between tasks. Thus, any activity that diverts attention from the road is categorized as distracted driving.
Here are four straightforward methods to help your teenage driver remain safe and attentive:
- Keep Conversations Brief: Teens, like anyone, tend to resist feeling lectured or pressured. Aim for concise, informal, and regular discussions about the hazards of distracted driving.
- Set an Example: To inspire responsible driving habits in your teen, showcase exemplary behavior during your own driving experiences. Take the time to engage in practice sessions that reinforce distraction-free driving.
- Incorporate Elements of Fun: Promote good habits through incentives. For every instance of distracted driving observed in each other, consider contributing a dollar to a jar dedicated to a safe driving initiative. Visual reminders, such as a striking red nail polish or a red string tied to the steering wheel, can serve as powerful cues for responsible driving commitments.
- Leverage Technology: Numerous apps and devices can aid in instilling positive driving patterns for you and your teen. Tools like Bouncie, which is featured by Apparent Insurance, provide important insights such as harsh braking or excessive speed, both indicators of potential distraction. Additionally, smartphones often come equipped with features designed to promote focused driving.
Equipping Them for Potential Accidents
While we all hope to avoid accidents, it’s vital for teens to know the appropriate steps to take both immediately and in the aftermath of an incident. Here’s a checklist to share with your teen in case of an accident:
- Ensure safety—move the vehicle to a secure location like the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot and activate hazard lights.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check on everyone involved to confirm there are no injuries requiring urgent medical attention.
- Notify the police, regardless of how minor the accident may seem.
- Document the scene by taking photos using a mobile device.
- Exchange essential information with the other driver, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, insurance data, and vehicle make/model.
- Avoid discussing fault with the other party involved.
- Reach out to your auto insurance company promptly.
- That same day, pen down the details of the incident and store them in an accessible location.
- Over time, maintain a file for all documentation and communication related to the accident in one organized space.
Final Thoughts
Driving can be a source of stress regardless of experience level. While your teen may feel eager to learn the ropes, nerves may also be a factor. Simultaneously, you might sense added pressure in this journey; Apparent Insurance is here to ease your concerns with specialized features tailored for teen drivers and their parents. After all, this auto insurance provider was crafted by parents for parents. So, take a moment to relax, fasten your seatbelt, and remember—you’re on the right track, and Apparent is here to support you!
As you add a teenage driver to your policy, it’s an excellent opportunity to reassess your coverage and explore other options to secure the best rates. Visit ApparentInsurance.com to request a quote and discover features specifically designed for families with teen drivers.
