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Driver's Ed: Preteen Style
Why Starting Early Could Save Their Lives
By Tamekia Reece
Ever thought about letting your preteen drive your car? We seriously doubt it. Are you talking to your child about driving? Probably not. You think you should wait a few more years, since your kid's a long way off from driver's ed, right? Wrong! Here are some tips to get your kids on the right driving track – long before they turn 16.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 15 and 19. Clearly, driver's education classes alone are not enough.
"Don't leave learning to drive to driver's ed or other places," says Allen S. Hardin, author of Drive Like a Champ: A Safe Start to Driving Smart, a kid-friendly guide to driving safely. He believes parental involvement is a key point in teaching kids safe driving habits.
Another must is starting early. "Think about it," Hardin says. "Even when they're barely able to walk, [kids] like something that moves – a push cart, tricycle or bicycle." You should use this fascination as a step toward your teen becoming a safe driver.
Since your child won't be behind the wheel practicing anytime soon, you probably think it's OK – and maybe even safer – to put off teaching him until he's closer to driving age. "Don't," Hardin says. "Once you're 16 or 17, nobody can tell you anything, [because] you know everything." That's why the best time to teach them is before they get behind the wheel and before they think they know more than you do.