The approaching spring and summer months mean more teen drivers will be on the road. So many newly licensed drivers can mean dangerous roadways. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day sees a significant increase in crashes involved teen drivers. So, what can you do to ensure your young driver is smart and safe behind the wheel? AAA has some tips.
Find good driving schools:
Did you know that AAA Ohio offers AAA Driver Education, which provides a variety of driver training packages to novice teen drivers? Our research-based, state-approved curriculum provides your teen with the classroom and behind-the-wheel training they need to feel confident and safe on the road. Additionally, teens will get a free AAA membership upon completion of the course.*
Student drivers can also partake in AAA’s How to Drive Online course, which delivers the rules and essentials of safe driving. They will still need to complete their 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school, but the online course allows for flexibility and self-paced education for teens as well as convenience for parents and their sometimes-hectic schedules.
Be involved in the education process:
Parents are an essential part of driver education, and responsible for 85% of their teen’s in-car training. That can be a lot of pressure, but AAA’s StartSmart Online Parent Session can help. This two-hour webinar explains the licensing process, and how to stay involved in your teen’s learning experience. The content helps parents understand and reinforce what their teen is learning in driver education to help emphasize the importance of safe driving. The education can be just as important for parents as it is teens, as some parents may find that things have changed quite a bit since they obtained their own license.
Continue to learn:
What happens after your teen passes their tests? Just because young drivers obtain their license doesn’t mean they know it all. There are important factors beyond driving laws that go into being a responsible automobile operator. Teach your teen about their vehicle; not just how to drive it. They should be educated about the functions of their vehicle, its safety features, and certain things they should look out for. Teaching them how to do something as simple as checking their oil or changing a tire can mean a world of difference in certain situations. Better Ohio Teen Drivers (BOTD) is a great resource for this. BOTD is a non-profit company that teaches vehicle dynamics and how to react in situations where things go wrong.
Reevaluate your auto insurance needs:
Your coverage needs may change with the addition of a young driver to your policy. Adding a new driver is the perfect time to reevaluate your policy. Involve your teen in the process. Teach them about things like deductibles and liability to help them better understand how insurance works. Our AAA agents are always ready to help you look at and compare policies from our many carriers to determine what plan is right for you.
To learn more about the driving school programs offered at AAA Ohio, click here.
*Offer valid to students whose parent or guardian is a AAA member.