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Driver's Ed: Preteen Style
Why Starting Early Could Save Their Lives
By Tamekia Reece
One of the best ways for your preteen to learn to practice safe driving habits is by watching you. If you're weaving in and out of traffic or yakking on your cell phone while trying to balance a cup of coffee on your knee, your preteen is bound to be watching your every move. Since it's only reasonable to think that teen drivers may mimic the driving habits of their parents, make sure the example you're setting is a good one.
If you need a little brush-up on safe driving techniques, Hardin's book can help. Though it's designed for kids ages 7 to 14, the tips can also help you remember things you may have forgotten or chose to ignore. Another option is to take a driver refresher or defensive driving course. Do whatever you have to do in order to better your driving. That way, when your child approaches you with a question, you'll have the right answer.
Once your driving skills are straight, talk with your preteen about driving anytime the two of you hit the road. Point out specific things you do, like checking your blind spot – explain why you do it and what could happen if you don't.
Hardin says one thing you should be aware of is that once someone begins to learn the rules of the road, they tend to critique others. The next time you're in the car contemplating running a red light, remember, your child is watching and might say something about it. Even worse, she may be learning. By copying Mom's or Dad's erratic behavior and running red lights when she begins to drive, your teen just may change your lives forever.