By Colleen Benzin | Managing Director, Apparent Insurance
So many elements of our lives now feel “off,” and we are all adapting to this new reality. However, social distancing provides a unique chance to cultivate new abilities and concentrate on essential activities—one of which is teaching your teen to be a safe driver. With roads quieter than usual, this is an ideal time to reinforce good driving habits and prepare for unexpected situations.
Help Them Master Distraction Management
As a parent, when it’s time for your teen to take the wheel, the focus often leans toward skills like smooth merging and frequently using the rear-view mirror. Yet, it’s crucial not to overlook one of the most significant dangers on the road: distracted driving.
When we hear “distracted driving,” many immediately think of texting and driving. However, distractions extend far beyond just texting. Many common actions that drivers engage in can unknowingly divert their attention. The human brain can only handle one task at a time, and what we perceive as “multitasking” is merely quickly toggling between tasks. Therefore, any activity that takes your focus off the road qualifies as distracted driving.
You can enhance your teen’s safety and concentration on the road by implementing these four straightforward strategies:
- Avoid Lecturing During Conversations: It’s not just teens—nobody enjoys being nagged or pressured into doing the right thing. Aim for brief, informal, and regular discussions about the importance of avoiding distractions.
- Be a Positive Example: If you expect your teen to practice responsible driving, you must demonstrate the correct behavior behind the wheel. Schedule practice sessions to help them develop habits that prioritize distraction-free driving.
- Make Responsible Driving Enjoyable: Encourage good driving practices by introducing rewards. For example, each time you catch one another distracted while driving, that person could contribute a dollar to a jar for a safe driving cause. Visually striking reminders, like a red string on the steering wheel, can serve as cues to uphold their commitment to responsible driving.
- Leverage Technology: Numerous apps and devices can assist you and your teen in maintaining good driving habits. Applications like Bouncie, a feature offered by Apparent Insurance, notify you if your teen is braking too abruptly or speeding, which could indicate distracted driving. Additionally, many smartphones have built-in features to help drivers focus while on the road.
Prepare Them for the Possibility of an Accident
Despite our hopes for a smooth driving journey, accidents can happen. It’s crucial for teens to be prepared for what to do immediately after an accident and in the following days. Here’s a handy checklist for your teen to review in case of an accident:
- Ensure safety first—move the vehicle to the roadside or a nearby parking area and activate the hazard lights.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check on all parties involved to confirm there are no injuries requiring immediate medical care.
- Call the police, even if it’s just a minor bump.
- Take pictures and document the accident scene with a phone.
- Exchange necessary information with the other driver, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details.
- Do not assign blame while speaking with the other driver.
- Reach out to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Later that day, write down a detailed account of the incident and keep it in an accessible spot.
- Over time, compile a file with all relevant documents and communications, keeping everything organized in one location.
The Key Takeaway
Driving can induce anxiety for anyone, regardless of experience. Although your teen may be eager to start driving, they might also feel apprehensive. Likewise, it’s normal to feel some stress as a parent. Apparent Insurance is available to help alleviate your concerns with specialized features for both teen drivers and their parents—because this insurance company was created by parents, for parents. So, take a deep breath, fasten your seatbelt, and remember—you can do this, and Apparent is here for you!
Bringing a teen driver onto your insurance policy presents an excellent opportunity to evaluate your coverage and shop for the best rates. Visit ApparentInsurance.com for a quote and discover features tailored for families and teen drivers.
