Things To Teach Your Kid Before Handing Over The Car Keys

“With great power comes great responsibility,” said Uncle Ben to Peter Parker; and it holds true not just for Spiderman but for us as well. Getting to drive a car is one such superpower that our kids want to attain. But you are the ones who will decide when your child is ready to get behind the wheel and experience the freedom we bet, with responsibility.

Here’s a list of a few things every parent should keep in mind before handing over car keys to their teen.

Basics of Operating a Vehicle

Youngsters are often influenced by their peers. So the request for taking the car out could be just because the friends are pushing it. But before everything, it's essential to find out if your kid knows the basics. Before your teen takes the wheel, it's vital they understand the functioning of the vehicle. A driving instructor will explain about the components of the car, but a parent will probably give a deeper understanding on why it's important to be able to manoeuvre the vehicle responsibly. From being comfortable with shifting gears, adjusting the rear view and side mirrors to being familiar with common dashboard indicators, ensure they can do these tasks confidently before venturing onto busier roads.

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Rules of the Road

Your duty doesn’t end with teaching your child how to drive a car. Knowing the rules of driving a vehicle on the road is equally important. You as a parent should educate your teen about the importance of adhering to the speed limit. Explain that these limits are set to ensure safety.

Emphasise the importance of lane discipline, making sure they understand the significance of staying within their lane and using turn signals appropriately.

Teens often are distracted. Make sure that you do not use your phone while driving, cause only then you can tell your child that it is a taboo. Reinforcing the fact that driving the car without a seatbelt is a big risk and an absolute no. You should go on a ride with your child a few times to ensure they follow all the safety instructions.

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Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is all about being prepared for the unexpected on the road. Your child should know that a few unforeseen things might happen on the road and precaution is always better in such scenarios. You can teach them to be attentive and scan the road and their surroundings while driving. This can help them respond to potential accidents. Stress on the need to foresee the actions of other drivers, assuming that others will make mistakes is an important aspect of defensive driving.

It's important to teach them that being aggressive on the road is never a solution to anything. Defensive driving techniques will not only keep your child but others safe on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance

Driving is more than simply getting behind the wheel; it also involves looking after the vehicle. Teach your kid about vehicle maintenance, such as changing the oil regularly to keep the engine running smoothly. Checking tire pressure and changing flat tires is also an important task. Detecting brake wear indicators, and topping off critical fluids such as coolant and brake fluid is important to keep with safety. Encourage them to keep a basic emergency kit in the car, including items like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.

Responsible Driving Behaviour

Instil safe driving habits in your teen by highlighting that drinking and driving is both illegal and harmful. Adhere to traffic laws, prevent road rage, and plan routes for a stress-free journey. Encourage efficient driving to cut emissions and carpooling whenever possible, keeping the environment in mind.

Remember that patience and practice are essential, so continue to support and guide your child as they obtain additional driving experience.

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