The back-to-school season is nearly here (sorry, kids), and that means there will be plenty of teen drivers getting behind the wheel to head off to school. For parents, that usually means a lot of worry, especially if your teen driver is traveling on busy roads.
While there’s nothing you can do to completely eliminate your worry and concern, there are a few steps you can take to help keep your kids safe (and stay calmer in the process).
- Show them the best route to school – and alternate routes in case of construction or other delays. Have your teen drive a few routes prior to the first day of school so they’re familiar with each one, and make sure they know the correct way to follow buses, including stopping whenever the bus stops to pick up or drop off passengers.
- Make sure they’re prepared to leave a little early each day to prevent rushing. Teens who are more likely to speed or exhibit other unsafe driving behaviors. Leaving a little early means they’ll be on time even if road construction or other issues cause a delay.
- Eliminate distractions. Distracted driving is a big problems for drivers of all ages, but it’s especially prevalent among teen drivers. have them turn off their phone before getting in the car, and let them know activities like eating, drinking, putting on makeup or doing their hair are not allowed while they’re driving.
- Consider setting a “no passengers” rule. It may seem harsh, but chatting with friends is a big cause of distracted driving among teens. Since your child may already feel rushed in the morning, having them drive solo can help eliminate the risks of distracted driving so they arrive at school safe and sound.
As a parent of a teen driver, you know how expensive it can be to add your child to your insurance policy. Fortunately, there are a couple of things you (and your child) can do to keep costs as low as possible. First, once your child has completed driver’s education, forward their certificate of completion to your agent. Many insurance companies offer a discount for kids who complete these programs, but you need to show proof of completion to tap into the savings. Likewise, let your agent know if your child has good grades since that can also qualify for a discount. And finally, be sure your child understands that even a “minor” fender-bender can result in increased insurance rates as well as points on their license. Making them financially responsible for a portion of their insurance costs can be a good reminder of the importance of safe driving. To find out more about student driver discounts, call Atlantic Pacific Insurance at 800-538-0487.
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