How to Survive Teenage Driving

Oh no! Your teenager has passed the driving exam, and is asking you for the keys! How do you handle this? Worries about teenage driving are well founded, as crashes are by far the leading cause of death among teenagers. But there are some steps you can take to minimize your teen's risk:

1.       Provide better driver training. Help your young person get the Learner's Permit, and provide LOTS of experience during that year. AND require a full year with a Learner's Permit before you allow your child to take the driver's test. Also, allow them to practice in a variety conditions. Don't just go out when it's sunny - let your teen get used to handling rain and our lovely Berkshire winters.

2.     Consider professional instruction. Let's face it. Most of us are amateur drivers. So, it is a very good idea to seek help from a private driving school with the resources to help your young driver develop the skills they need. Dave's Driving School on Elm St in Pittsfield is a local school that is very highly respected. You can get in touch with Dave by calling (413) 442-0502.  Find more schools on the RMV website.

3.     Seat belts! They are there for a reason, so make sure your teen uses them!

4.     Restrict the number of passengers, especially early on. This is very important, as the risk of an accident is much higher for a young driver with passengers.

5.     Make sure they get enough sleep!

6.     Take a very hard line about alcohol and drugs.

7.     No texting or cell phone use.

8.     Last, talk with your teen and develop a contract. This is a very good way to teach your teen responsibility and give them a chance to have a say in the rules they will abide by. A good contract will include the car itself: what car, how to maintain it, keeping it clean, and insurance costs - your teen will be extra careful if they have to pay for damage out of their own money. Also, stress safety in the contract.   Click here for an example of a parent-teen driving contract.All seven points listed above are good provisions to include in this contract. And lastly, consequences. You and your teen should come up with appropriate consequences should they break a provision of the contract.  Just remember - no driving without a signature on the dotted line!