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McPherson's Guide to Help Parents with Teen Drivers

Are you ready to hand the keys to your teen?
Sitting in the passenger seat while your teen takes the wheel for the first time can make any parent feel stress. Take time to sit down with your teen and talk about the things you are going to teach. Having a plan before getting in the car can help foster a teen’s interest in being prepared and will help you keep your cool. One of the hardest– but most important things to do when teaching  your teen is to remain calm. Having both parents in the car will only distract your teen; pick only one parent at a time to teach your teen. This is an exciting time for your teen, so keep a positive attitude. Remember, driving is one skill your teen will use everyday for many years into their adulthood. It will give them freedom as well as responsibility.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Know Teen Driving Laws in your State
• Remain Calm
• Explain… do not assume your teen knows what you want
• Give all directions Well in Advance
• Be Ready to Assist with Steering
• Set an Objective for Each Drive
• Vary the Driving Scenes
• Set a Good Example
• Be Positive
• Be Clear
• Be Flexible
• Be Forgiving
• Set Ground Rules
• Make sure teen is familiar with all Controls and Safety Devices
• Keep the Driving trips Short
• Expect Your Teen to make   Mistakes
• Refrain from Talking Too Much

1. NOT Checking Traffic Before Pulling Out
2. Passing Without Checking for Traffic in the Passing Lane
3. Pulling Away from the Curb Without Checking Behind for Oncoming Vehicles
4. Excessive Speed or Hazardous Road Conditions
5. Inattentiveness
6. Following too Closely
7. Distraction Inside the Vehicle
8. Inadequate Defense Driving Skills
9. Incorrect Assumptions About Others
10. Improper Maneuvering

MCPHERSON’S TIPS FOR:
Cell Phones and Text Messaging While Driving

TIPS FOR TEENS:

• Turn off your cell phones;  let voicemail catch your calls and text messages while you are driving.
• If you have to make a call or text while driving just pull off the road safely and then make your call.
• Recognize that text messaging can be a habit. Get support from your family and friends by letting them know you need to break the habit of texting.
• If you think you will still be tempted to use your cell phone or text while driving put your phone out of reach or even in the trunk if you have one.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Don’t call or text your teen at times when you know they are likely driving.
• Look at your teen’s cell phone bill with them to see if they are on the cell or texting at times they are likely to be driving.
• Be a good role model and don’t use your cell phone to make calls, accept calls, or do texting while you are driving. Let voicemail take care of all your incoming and text messages while you drive.

“RECEIVING TEXT MESSAGES AND  CELL  PHONE CALLS  DISTRACTS YOUNG DRIVERS, BUT IN 2007 SURVEY OF 16-17 YEAR OLDS, 46% ADMITTED TO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.”
- Good Housekeeping Vol. 426 No. 2

The McPherson Companies
in partnership with
Whitaker Contracting Corporation
www.whitakercontractingcorp.com