Parents who have taught their teens how to drive can relate to the anxiety and sometimes sheer terror that can go along with it, especially when they realize the invisible passenger-side brake really doesn't work, no matter how often it's stepped on. But it's all worth it if parents succeed in producing a safe teen driver.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, more than one teen driver dies in a crash each week. So, as parents' jobs go, teaching their teens to drive safely is one of the most important. Although teens are required to take some formal driver education before they get their driver's license, they should spend a large amount of time practicing driving with their parents. During these times, parents must exercise great patience and be able to judge whether their teens are ready for the responsibility of driving.

A stress-free teaching environment
A moving vehicle is probably the last place anyone should argue, so parents really need to watch their tone and comments and  keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure you're in a calm mood when you go out to practice and are able to focus on the task at hand.
  
  
• Be specific in your instructions. You could map out a route to drive before you leave the house or if you're giving directions along the way, make sure to note each change in course far enough in advance.
  
  
• Use a calm tone. Remember, mistakes will happen in any learning process. Instead of criticizing your teen in a way that makes him or her feel ashamed and defensive, use comments that simply make the teen aware. Instead of yelling, "You're speeding!" you might calmly ask, "What's the speed limit on this road?"
  
  
• Keep conversation light and casual so your teen can focus solely on driving.
  
  
• Let your teen know when he or she does something right or drives well.

Teens learn the most about driving from their parents and observing their parents' behind-the-wheel skills, judgment and behavior. Pay close attention to your own driving and be a good role model. The following tips can never be said too often:

Establish rules
Make sure your teen follows the restrictions Wisconsin law places on the different types of licenses. In addition, establish and enforce your own set of driving rules for your teen.

Be specific about when and where your teen can drive. Be clear about how many passengers your teen can have and who the passengers can be. Determine which friends, if any, your son or daughter is allowed to ride with. Do not allow your teen to drive other people's cars or let friends drive your family's vehicle.

Safety first
Let your teen know you expect him or her to obey speed limits and other traffic laws and to drive defensively at all times. Make sure your teen always wears a seat belt and demands passengers do the same.

Discuss the dangers of driving when tired. Make rules about distractions such as talking on cell phones or with friends or changing the radio station.

Until your teen gains more experience, you may want to limit driving on crowded expressways, at night or in bad weather. Help your teen practice driving in these conditions.

Teach your teen the importance of auto maintenance. Keep emergency equipment in your vehicles and make sure your teen knows how to use it. Show your teen how to change a tire. Remind your teen to lock valuables out of sight and check the back seat before getting into the vehicle.

Alcohol
Drinking and driving do not mix. Many states have zero tolerance for teens who drink. This means a teen with even a trace of alcohol in his or her blood can lose driving privileges. You must make it clear to your teen that you will not tolerate drinking and driving.

Tickets and accidents
Let your teen know that he or she must suffer all the consequences of receiving a traffic violation or being at fault in a traffic accident. This includes paying fines, damages and increases in insurance costs as well as loss of driving privileges.

Finally, how do you know if your teen is ready to have his or her driver's license? Of course, level of driving skill should be considered, but also observe your teen in everyday activities. Is he or she responsible? Does he or she take safety seriously in other situations? When you practice driving, do you have to remind your teen to wear a seat belt or does he or she remember and automatically do the things you've taught? If you're in doubt about your teen's readiness to drive, don't be afraid to prolong practice time. Being a certain age doesn't automatically make a teen emotionally ready to drive.

In the end, teaching your teen to drive should be a fun learning experience and just another step in his or her transition into adulthood. Embrace it as a chance to bond and enjoy the successes of your teen's skills and your teaching.

About the Author:
Victoria Benz is editor of Parenting Works magazine, which is published two times annually by the Public Relations Department at Children's Hospital and Health System. Please click here for more information and back issues.

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