By Colleen Benzin | Managing Director, Apparent Insurance
In these unusual times, many aspects of our daily lives seem far from what we once considered “normal,” and we’re all adapting. Social distancing, however, provides a unique opportunity to cultivate new skills and dedicate our focus to specific tasks—like teaching your teenager to drive responsibly. With roads less congested than they typically are, now is an ideal moment to practice solid driving habits and prepare for unexpected situations.
Help Them Avoid Distractions
As a parent of a teenager learning to drive, your primary concerns often revolve around fundamental skills like merging and checking mirrors. Yet, it’s crucial not to overlook one of the most significant dangers on the road—distraction.
While texting and driving frequently comes to mind when we think of distracted driving, it encompasses so much more, including common behaviors that many drivers engage in unknowingly. The human brain can only focus on one task at a time, meaning that what we consider “multitasking” is often just rapid switching of focus. This is why any activity that diverts attention from driving qualifies as distracted driving.
To assist your teen in remaining safe and attentive while driving, consider these four straightforward strategies:
- Engage in Brief, Conversational Talks: It’s natural for both teens and adults to resist feeling lectured or pressured. Keep discussions about the importance of avoiding distractions brief and conversational, and make them a regular fixture.
- Set a Positive Example: To foster responsible driving habits in your teenager, demonstrate the behavior you expect. Take the time to accompany them on practice drives, reinforcing the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
- Make Safe Driving Enjoyable: Encourage good driving practices through rewards. For instance, whenever either of you catches the other being distracted while driving, the individual could contribute a dollar to a jar designated for a safe driving initiative. Visual reminders, such as a painted red nail or a red ribbon on the steering wheel, can serve as prompts to uphold their commitment to responsible driving.
- Leverage Technology: Numerous apps and devices can help promote safe driving habits for you and your teen. One such tool is Bouncie, offered by Apparent Insurance, which monitors behaviors like harsh braking or speeding—indicators that might suggest distracted driving. Additionally, many smartphones contain built-in features that can help maintain focus when on the road.
Equip Them for Accidents
While we all wish that accidents wouldn’t occur, it’s vital for teenagers to understand the steps to take immediately following an incident and in the days that follow. Share this checklist with your teen in the event of an accident:
- Move to a safe location—shift the vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot, and activate the hazard lights.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check the condition of others involved to ensure that everyone is okay and no immediate medical attention is required.
- Call the police, even if the accident seems minor.
- Document the accident scene and take photographs using a phone.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details.
- Avoid discussing fault with the other party.
- Inform your auto insurance company as soon as you can.
- Later that day, write a detailed account of the incident and keep it in a secure location.
- As time passes, create a file for all relevant documentation and correspondence, ensuring it remains organized.
In Conclusion
Driving can be a source of stress, regardless of experience. Although your teenager may be eager to learn, they might feel apprehensive as well. This is normal, and as you navigate this new chapter, Apparent Insurance provides unique features designed with both teen drivers and their parents in mind—founded by parents for parents. Take a deep breath, buckle up, and remember that you have this handled, with Apparent by your side!
Addition of a teen driver to your auto policy is an opportune moment to review your coverage and compare rates to ensure you are receiving the best possible deal. Visit ApparentInsurance.com for a quote and to discover features specifically tailored for families and young drivers.
