Having your teen driving can be a scary event. If my dad was alive it would tell you just how scary it was when I started to drive (I hit a curb in an empty parking lot!) Luckily OnStar has some tips to make it a little less scary.
OnStar Tips for Parents
- Don’t text and drive: Set a good example! Despite many attempts to educate teenagers about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, it is still a leading driving distraction that teens continue to take part in. Remind young drivers of the risks of talking and texting behind the wheel (again) and provide an alternative such as OnStar, which provides Hands-Free Calling and other connectivity features..
- Be overprotective: Let’s admit it, teens aren’t known to be the most prepared individuals in the world, and if they wind up stranded in a winter storm chances are they’re no MacGyver. Prepare them with a “safety kit” with water bottles, blankets, a flashlight and a first aid kit and stick it in their car. Make sure they have a lifeline in an accident such as OnStar, which provides automatic crash response even if the driver is unable to ask for it. They might call it overprotective but they’ll thank you for it later.
- “Distract-proof” the vehicle: Before pulling out of the driveway, there are a few things your teen can do to limit the distractions while on the road. Program favorite stations into the radio presets for easy access, arrange CDs or MP3s in an easy-to-reach place, pair cell phones to a Bluetooth connection or utilize a hands-free calling system such as OnStar. These little things can make a world of difference on the road.
- Offer to be the chauffeur: While it’s often fun spending time with friends, having added passengers in the car leads to distractions, potential peer pressure and a greater risk of a fatal crash. In fact, the risk factor increases up to five times if there are two or more passengers in the vehicle. If your teen and a few friends are headed out, offer to be the chauffeur so you can make sure they arrive home safe.
- Provide a lifeline in the event of an emergency: Things can become pretty hectic in the event of an accident and your teen’s cell phone may not always reliable or accessible in that situation. Give them a lifeline by providing an in-vehicle safety solution such as OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle), which can detect a crash and will send emergency responders to the precise GPS location of the vehicle, if the driver requests help, or can’t respond. I’ve attached a photo of FMV by chance it is helpful.
- Lead by example: Believe it or not your teen actually respects and values your opinion, which can serve as a blessing and a curse. Many teens think they can multitask while driving because they watch adults engage in some of the same behaviors, but pairing teen drivers’ inexperience with unnecessary distractions can be lethal. Step up and practice what you preach and serve as a role model to your teen.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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Another huge one that goes right along with texting- just don’t use the phone while driving! You can pull to the side of the road, you can let the answering service catch it- answering calls is NOT a priority while driving- keeping you and your passengers safe is. Lead by example- have a passenger answer if it must be answered or just wait until it is safe to call back.
Distracted driving has truly become an epidemic in the United States. Let’s be honest, using a phone while driving is tempting, but definitely not worth a serious accident.
I have a teen daughter that will be driving soon – scary! These are great tips to follow. I actually need to work on the “Lead by Example” tip. I get aggravated on the road way too easy, and drive like I shouldn’t – especially in from of my daughter.
Thanks for sharing!
I think this is a very comprehensive list of things to remember and keep repeating to your teens. I don’t think we give enough emphasis on the last one. “Lead by Example.” That is one that has to start so early, way before your teens starts to drive. Courtesy while drive flows over to so many of life’s situations.
As far as testing goes I think that can also be said about eating, smoking, horsing around, reading or grooming/putting on make up while driving.
Amazing Tips! I have a long time before my kids are able to start driving but I agree that it is important to also lead by example!
This is a very tough situation these days with all the important to teens social media while driving. I know I told my son the dangers of texting, talking and calling using his cell while driving, I just know he did anyway. I see plenty of adults as well driving and texting every morning while walking our dog. What could be the solution?