Final answer:
To help their new teen drivers reduce collisions, parents should educate them about the risks of driving, practice driving with them under various conditions, set clear rules and expectations, and model safe driving behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parents play a crucial role in helping new teen drivers become safer on the roads, which is essential given that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Here are four steps a parent can take to help reduce collisions and foster safe driving habits:
- Education and Awareness: Ensure the teen has completed a comprehensive driver's education program. Discuss the risks of driving, including the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.
- Practice: Accompany the new driver on practice drives in various conditions, including at night and in bad weather, to build experience and confidence.
- Set Rules and Expectations: Establish clear family rules for driving, such as no cell phone use while driving, setting a curfew, and limiting the number of passengers.
- Model Safe Behavior: Parents should lead by example by always wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving.
It is also valuable to discuss statistics and resources from reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which can provide context on the importance of safe driving.