Alpharetta GA Auto Insurance

Presents: 

Eeek! Mom’s baby gets a drivers license?!

QUICK FACTS:

• Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations.6
• In 2008, 25% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or higher.10
• Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use. In 2005, 10% of high school students reported they rarely or never wear seat belts when riding with someone else.10
• Facts provided  via CDC Website

We can all remember what if felt like to hold our very first driver’s license. Fresh off the DMV press, thoughts of freedom, independence, friends and un-chaperoned road-trips fill every teenager’s mind.

Let’s be honest, having your Mom roll-up in a friend’s driveway, restlessly honking her high-pitched horn until you acknowledge that her forest green minivan is your “ride” surely puts a damper on your “too cool” teenage reputation. This reputation, as most of us may remember or observe, is what a typical teenager works effortlessly to build.

Yet, as all teenage parents know, a new license feels much different when it’s being placed in the hands of your teenager. Why, “just yesterday” he/she was drinking from bottles and singing nursery rhymes… and now that same child is spreading his/her wings and facing the real dangers of driving.

Our staff at Gillman Insurance is full of parents that know this story all too well! In addition to providing auto insurance solutions for your new driver, we’re extending our professional problem solving skills to offer you tips to make the transition to teenage-driving a little easier.

1. Explain that Limits are in place!

The most dangerous driving phase for a teenager is within the first 6 months to 1 year.  Be clear about setting boundaries and expectations from the very start. This makes for no discrepancies. Also, be sure to eliminate possibility of potential distractions, especially while your child is building basic driving experience. A teen’s chances of an accident increase with each additional teen passenger and driving between the hours of 9pm and midnight.

2. Reward Good Performance

Once your teen has exemplified good driving habits and behaviors, acknowledge it by giving them more responsibility and freedom.

3. Set a Good Example

Drive the way you want your teen to drive. By using your phone while driving, not buckling-up or occasionally speeding, you’re losing credibility! Of course, this is never good for a parent because we all like to keep our “boss” status! But really, if you expect your teen to follow driving rules, you must start by always following them as well.

4. Recognize your Teen’s Need for Independence

Don’t let your stress consume the experience! Acquiring a drivers license is an exciting time for a teenager and be sure to acknowledge the achievement. Be sure to let them know that your rules are only aimed to protect (not control) them.

5. Stay Involved!

Create an open environment where you and your teen can talk openly about driving concerns and address questions. Inquire about where your teen is driving, when your teen will arriving at his/her destination and getting home. If you play an active role in your child’s life on the road, they’re more likely to model your expectations.

If you’re a parent to a newly licensed teen driver, we hope you could take a break from the hair-pulling and palm sweating long enough to read these basic tips! Keep in mind that with the right guidance, communication and support, you can make driving an enjoyable new experience for your son or daughter!

If you have any further questions and need the advice of a problem solver, please contact us or request a free quote here! As parents, our GA Insurance staff is committed to promoting safe driving (teens AND parents) and providing premier auto insurance coverage for our clients. Gillman Insurance is sure to offer the best Georgia Auto Insurance protection for your whole family, including that new driver!

Wishing you BEST OF LUCK with your new driver!- Gillman Problem Solvers

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