Giving a young person the keys to a motorcar can be a nerve wrecking experience, especially the day you have to allow them to drive free of your presence or guidance.
We’re all aware that young people are risk takers; they can make mistakes and are prone to thrills. In a car this can be fun, but also fatal. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to limit the chances of them taking risks and also improve their safety and the safety of others on the road.
GPS Devices
One of the easiest ways to ensure a teen is driving responsively is to purchase a GPS key fob. These are also known as ‘mommy monitors’ and you simply place this GPS powered device on the car key ring. It will then monitor the speed the individual drives at and takes note if they go over the limit, there are any sudden stops and even records distance, so you know approximately where they are going to and have been. It’s also tamper proof and teens can’t turn it off or take out the batteries without you knowing.
Tell My Mom
For the more lo-fi mother, the ‘Tell my Mom’ bumper sticker is the perfect addition. Like the traditional ‘How Am I Driving’ sticker, this is fitted to the back of the car and has the parent’s phone number on it. It’s a low cost and very practical deterrent on the road.
Education
Even if your teen has passed their driving test, they still are novices on the road and the best way to further their abilities is through more education. Advanced driving courses can greatly benefit teens and make all the difference to them in an emergency. They also showcase the repercussions of bad decision making on the road – often enough to put most teens off.
Tests
If you are suspicious that your teen is drinking and driving, or taking illicit substances; then perhaps it’s time to invest in a breathalyser. Kids experiment and that’s a simple fact of life and if you can find out if there is an issue then you can help out. These tests are low cost nowadays and a good way to find out if there is an issue.
Handsfree
Placing a Bluetooth hands free kit in their car or the car they use allows them to make and take calls without being driven to distraction. Many are also portable so you can place them in a rental or car leasing when away. Most kids have a quite hectic social life, especially if they have access to a car. These kits are a great way to lower the chance of an accident and if they’re Bluetooth will also work with your phone too.
Cormac Reynolds writes for car leasing company First Vehicle Leasing who provide car leasing to individuals and business.
