If you have teenage children, then chances are they will turn to you when they want to learn how to drive.
Parents are often put in the slightly stressful position of accompanying their teens as they get behind the wheel for the first time.
Here are a few top tips that can help you help your children!
Teach them the road rules
Theory is just as important as practical learning. Before your teens even think about getting in the car it’s important that they understand the road rules!
Start off slow
Don’t rush into it – take it slow and give your teenagers a chance to get the feel of the car before they try and hit the roads.
A good place to practice is in empty car parks.
Provide them with professional lessons
While you can help your teenagers as they begin, it’s a good idea to provide them with professional lessons as well.
This way an expert can make sure that they completely understand all of the road rules, as well as teach them more specialised knowledge such as what to do in the event of an accident, or how to handle their vehicle in wet conditions.
Keep helping, even once they have got their P-Plates
It can be tempting to step back and leave your teenagers to it once they have got their P-Plates, but it may be worth checking in with them every now and then and making sure they are following the road rules.
Young people can often fall victim to peer pressure, or simply think that they are invincible when behind the wheel.
Just yesterday (Thursday July 26), police allegedly caught a “novice driver” speeding at 157 kilometres per hour in a 70 kilometres per hour zone.
Superintendent Stuart Smith was displeased with this news, and said that the motorist’s reckless behaviour had cost him dearly.
“A novice driver at this speed places himself and other road users at serious risk,” he said.
“This driver now faces a significant fine, and the offence of driving at a speed [this] dangerous carries a maximum penalty of nine months imprisonment, a $3,300 fine, and three years driving disqualification.”
Inform them what to do when involved in an accident
Give your young drivers tips on what they can do should they be involved in an accident. It’s important for them to exchange contact details and insurance information with the other vehicle, as well as call the police and emergency services if need be.
If they are ever involved in a crash, they may also like to know that they could be eligible for car accident compensation.
There are lawyers in Sydney that can help them make a claim on a no win no fee basis.