Having a teenager get their driver's license can be stressful for many parents. A lack of driving experience can put a driver more at risk. Thankfully, there are several ways that parents can help keep their teenage drivers safe on the road.

1. Choose a Safe Car

Some vehicles are better suited for newly licensed drivers than others. Consider if a sedan or compact SUV is a better vehicle to start off with. Smaller vehicles sometimes offer limited protection in the event of a crash. A larger SUV or truck can be more prone to rollovers and at times more difficult to control.

2. Enroll Your Teen in a Driver's Safety Course

The training that teenagers must undergo before getting their drivers license is not enough to ensure that they will be skilled, responsible drivers. Enrolling your teen drivers in a driver's safety course is a great way to help provide them with a little more knowledge and experience before they hit the road. Along with fortifying their knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices, having your teenage drivers complete a driver's safety course may also help you save on your insurance premiums.

3. Discuss the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Today's teenagers aren't used to avoiding their mobile devices for long periods of time. When you are behind the wheel, checking your phone even for an instant can present serious dangers. Make sure that your teenage driver understands the risks of distracted driving, and to keep their phone put away while driving a vehicle.

4. Be a Good Role Model

As with most things in life, teenagers learn their driving behaviors from watching their parents. This makes it important to set a good example both before and after your teenager gets their license. Follow all traffic laws, drive defensively and responsibly, and look for opportunities to teach safe driving lessons to your teenage passengers. Whether they show it or not, you can be sure they are watching and learning from your example.

Conclusion

If the thought of your teenager getting their driver's license is enough to turn your hair gray, you aren't alone. These are just a few tips to get you started on this journey with your teen driver. Understanding safety on the road is key to help keep everyone safe.