ICBC’s top five tips for teen drivers
Nothing quite says “Freedom” to a teenager like getting their driver’s license. ICBC said that more than 50,000 got their first B.C. driver’s license in 2009, leading to a lot of novice drivers on the road.
ICBC says that driving is especially risky when you lack experience as a new driver. Not only are new drivers more prone to crash, one in four of their crashes result in an injury or fatality.
To help prepare teens – and their parents – ICBC has prepared a list of five tips to help you teach your teen how to drive smart:
No. 1 – Set the right example: Driving lessons start much earlier than you may realize – your children will observe your actions and attitude from a very young age. To set a good example, remember that most driving slip-ups result from lapses of attention – stay away from anything that takes your mind from the road whether it’s food, coffee or make-up. And remember, it’s not only dangerous but it’s now against the law to use a handheld electronic device while driving.
No. 2 – Get in the experts: It’s certainly a good idea to give your teen as much driving experience as possible, so consider also giving them the opportunity to take some lessons with a professional driving instructor. Many driving school courses include classroom time and road safety theory. More importantly, a driving school instructor can be objective without the emotion involved in many parent-teen relationships. If you do choose this route, remember to stay involved and discuss what they’re learning.
No. 3 – Remember the restrictions: B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) has helped lower the crash rate of new drivers by ensuring they gain the driving experience they need in a more controlled, lower-risk environment, and then expanding their privileges as they become safer on the road.
No. 4 – Put it in writing: You may want to consider creating a family contract and set of house rules that are in line with the GLP restrictions. Go to icbc.com and create your own family contract that sets out your expectations of your teen, the responsibilities you want them to show on the road, and the consequences for breaking those rules. Like any contract, it should be a two-way deal – as a responsible parent, you should agree to drive your teen home if they’ve been drinking to stop them from being tempted to drive impaired.
No. 5 – Gearing up: The type of car your teen learns to drive on can make a big difference. It’s best to learn how to drive on a vehicle that’s a manageable size and has good visibility. Stick to an automatic transmission until your teen has mastered the basics. A great way to help build your teen’s confidence is to start out on roads with less traffic and avoid rush hour congestion.
As a final bonus tip, if you’re letting your teen drive your car, don’t forget to check that you have the right insurance coverage for that kind of use. If your vehicle is rated in an experienced rate class (all drivers in a household with at least 10 years’ driving experience) then the rate class will need to be changed.
