Teens are eager to get behind the wheel of a car and experience the joy of the open road. Driving a car gives teens a greater sense of independence, and it offers them the chance to demonstrate how responsible they can be. A new driver checklist for teen drivers will give both of you peace of mind.
While getting a driver’s license is somewhat of a rite of passage, every parent should be aware that the rate of motor vehicle-related deaths has been increasing in Jamaica. The year 2020 marked the eighth year in a row that over 300 lives were lost in road fatalities in Jamaica.
There are several things you can do to teach your teens safe driving habits. Stay in the loop by visiting the site for the National Road Safety Council and share the information you learn with your teens.
New Driver Checklist for Teen Drivers
Before you put your teen into the driver’s seat, review this new driver checklist for teen drivers to help them avoid an auto insurance claim and give everyone a little peace of mind:
A Final Tip About Teen Driving
Talk to your teen during practice driving and share all the tips you learned during your many years of driving, like how to benefit from signage, how to keep their distance from the car they are following, safely braking, etc. Remember, driving together can be a great way to bond and spend time with each other. For more information on safe driving tips or to get a quote on car insurance, contact one of our insurance professionals at IronRock Insurance.
While getting a driver’s license is somewhat of a rite of passage, every parent should be aware that the rate of motor vehicle-related deaths has been increasing in Jamaica. The year 2020 marked the eighth year in a row that over 300 lives were lost in road fatalities in Jamaica.
There are several things you can do to teach your teens safe driving habits. Stay in the loop by visiting the site for the National Road Safety Council and share the information you learn with your teens.
New Driver Checklist for Teen Drivers
Before you put your teen into the driver’s seat, review this new driver checklist for teen drivers to help them avoid an auto insurance claim and give everyone a little peace of mind:
- Teach your teen driver about the perils of drinking and driving. The blood alcohol concentration limits (BAC) in Jamaica are ≤0.08, the same as for adults.
- Allow them plenty of time to get familiar with the car. Let them explore features like door locks, the radio, seat adjustment controls, mirror controls, the horn, lights, etc.
- Establish a pre-driving routine and teach them to make it a habit. Ask them to adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel for comfortable driving. Require them to put cell phones on “Do Not Disturb” before driving. Train them to pull over if they need to text or make a call. Make sure they always carry their vehicle documents and driver’s license in the car.
- Allow them lots of time for driving practice. It is not always convenient to let your teen drive, but the extra practice will help them develop responsible driving habits.
- Require them to wear seatbelts. Wearing seatbelts is the law in Jamaica, and that includes passengers.
- Discourage them from having other teens as passengers. Your teens will surely want to invite their friends along for a joy ride. Discourage this practice as best you can. They should focus on their driving skills without distractions.
- Educate your teens about the dangers of driving under the influence. Do not sugarcoat this conversation. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is highly dangerous.
- Limit night-time driving. Visibility is poorer in the dark, making it difficult to see objects and other drivers. It is best for new drivers to drive primarily during the day and save driving at night for when they have more experience.
A Final Tip About Teen Driving
Talk to your teen during practice driving and share all the tips you learned during your many years of driving, like how to benefit from signage, how to keep their distance from the car they are following, safely braking, etc. Remember, driving together can be a great way to bond and spend time with each other. For more information on safe driving tips or to get a quote on car insurance, contact one of our insurance professionals at IronRock Insurance.
