Your teenager will learn a lot in driver’s education class, especially when it comes to Wisconsin driving laws. There are some things, however, that teens may need to learn from a parent or another experienced driver. By teaching your teen the following five things, he or she can get a leg up on the some of the hard lessons many new drivers learn in the early years behind the wheel.
Who to Contact in an Emergency
What would your teen do if he witnessed a car accident? Whom would they call if they needed roadside assistance? When emergencies happen – and they do – it is important that teenagers know how to get themselves and others out of harm’s way. Arm your teenage driver with a phone for emergency phone calls. In addition to knowing 9-1-1, your teen should know how to which towing company, locksmith, and roadside assistance number you prefer they call.
What to Do If Stopped by an Officer
Don’t take for granted that your teen knows what to do in the presence of a police officer. Teach your teenager to acknowledge the officer by turning on the flashers and finding a safe, well-lit area to pull over to the right side of the road – preferably a parking lot where the police officer and your teen are safer. Teach your teen to roll down the window, turn off the engine, turn the interior lights on, and place both hands on the steering wheel. Finally, teach your teen to stay still, calm, and cooperative, submitting to the requests of the officer for a license, registration, and a signature on a citation.
What to Do in Difficult Situations
If friends don’t let friends drink and drive, they definitely don’t get into the car with a drunk driver. Make an agreement with your teenager that he or she will never, ever drive a vehicle while intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or too fatigued to drive. Let them know whom they can call if they are in need of a lift.
What Is and Is Not Allowed While Driving
This one is an important one. Your teen should know the laws surrounding his or her driving privilege, whether it pertains to Wisconsin’s nighttime driving curfew or to the number of peers under age 21 who are allowed in the vehicle. While the legal requirements are a good start, however, they do not necessarily have to be all-inclusive of your teen’s driving guidelines. As a parent, you can set and uphold your own additional boundaries as you see fit. These might include a ban on giving rides to hitchhikers or a rule that requires two hands on the wheel at all times. Consider establishing a parent-teen driving agreement such as the one provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
How Driving Habits and More Can Affect Car Insurance for Teens
Many things can affect your teen’s car insurance. For example, a student with good grades may qualify for discounts of 15 percent or more on car insurance premiums. On the other hand, an accident or traffic violation could cause premiums to rise. Some insurers may even refuse to renew coverage for a teen driver who has been involved in multiple collisions. Make sure your teen understands exactly how his or her behaviors both on and off the road can affect them in the future.
For more information about teen driving safety, visit CDC.gov. For more information about insuring your teen driver, contact Van De Hey Insurance to speak with one of our helpful team members.
