Teaching automobile safety to your kids

Every day, there's an account of a fatal car crash involving teens, almost all of which might have been avoided. When a teen obtains their driving permit, this by no means ensures that this young driver knows everything there is to know about automobile safety. Parents worry, because they know that a teen lacks experience and judgment in many areas of life and that this extends to operating an automobile safely. Here we present a synopsis of a parent's guidebook to teaching children about automobile safety. It can save lives.

Learning good driving habits, before your child is eligible to apply for their driving permit is an essential prequel to actually getting behind the wheel. Kids become excited about the prospect of driving. This represents a coming of age, independence and adulthood. As you may remember, you were much the same. A certain recklessness accompanies this transition to adulthood, no matter how you've tried to instill them with responsible action and good judgment. You should never rely on driver's education training covering all the bases of automobile safety. While teachers may do their best, you can't count on your child paying attention at the time a particular point is discussed.

You've got to be subtle in your approach to preparing them for when they finally can apply for the coveted permit. Starting at about the age of 14, they're already thinking of being able to drive. Older siblings and friends have them hyped. Start with simple things. When you get in the car to go shopping, remark on the use of seat belts. For example, you might say, Did you know that it wasn't until the mid 1960s that it became law that everyone must wear seat belts when driving? Do you know why? If they don't know, explain.

There are lots of other ways to convey points of automobile safety to your kids. Let's say you're driving on the highway, when a big truck suddenly cuts you off, moving into your lane without warning. If you've got your eyes on the road, you can move onto the shoulder, apply your brakes and recover without mishap. You know, I've learned that you've got to be a defensive driver and always keep your eyes on the road. That's why I never turn to talk to you when I'm driving. That dumb driver could have caused an accident! Leave it at that. Don't lecture. Your child will take note of how close you came to getting wiped out in a heartbeat, and why.

This type of situation is also a good time to mention the '10-2' position on the steering wheel as an automobile safety component. Positioning your hands at roughly the 10 and 2 o'clock coordinates gives you a far greater measure of control of the vehicle in any emergency maneuver. Kids will absorb this information, so long as it's not presented as a lecture.

Make it a habit to inspect the area behind the car each time you get in the car and drive off. You might even go out and deliberately put one of the kid's bikes behind the vehicle in order to make your point. Again, your child will see the point of this lesson in automobile safety without you saying anything beyond, It's a good idea to make a habit of checking for stuff behind the car Joe's bike would have been toast.

In addition to setting an example of good automobile safety practices, enroll your child in an intensive driving course program. These teach kids how to handle emergencies on the road, such as the truck incident, flood conditions which cause hydroplaning and other quick maneuvers that can prevent accidents. These programs are conducted on safe, off-road courses, with pylons used to simulate various conditions. Learning such automobile safety operations teaches the driver to react automatically, averting accidents. Kids who complete such programs are better drivers and get better insurance rates, too.

Most states now have laws against using cell phones while driving. This is an especially tempting automobile safety issue for kids. Set an example. Never use your cell while driving. If you get a call, ask your child to pick it up and take a message. Mom's driving now, can she call you back?

Drinking and driving is a major cause of accidents among teen drivers. Your local police department may have training videos, showing the consequences of drunk driving. Check out the video and watch it with your child. You won't need to say anything more. The evidence will speak for itself.

Teach your kids the value of checking water, oil, gas and fluid levels, as well as carrying extras of these in the trunk for emergencies. Again, a little subterfuge helps drive the point home. Let your water level get a bit low on a hot summer's day. Oh, it looks like the car's overheating. I'm going to pull over and check the water. Refill from your antifreeze store in the trunk. Can you imagine being stuck out here in this heat?

After a year plus of your automobile safety hints and completion of an intensive driving course program, your child will be well prepared to practice good driving habits when they finally get that driver's permit.

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