-If your child plans to drive their own car, the family car or will be riding in another vehicle, discuss the following issues. Explain that you want them to have a memorable evening, but more important is that they come home in one piece.
-Limit the number of kids in the car, and confirm that they will be the only driver of your car.
-Insist that everyone wears a seat belt even if it means a few clothing wrinkles.
-Instill the importance of concentration behind the wheel. (Teenage passengers can be distracting and cause the driver to be careless. Also, they will see all of their friends when they get to Prom- No need to be texting or on the phone while driving!)
-Explain the importance of driving defensively on a night when the accident rate is high.
-Confirm they know exactly where they are going, even if you have to scout the trip during daylight hours. (This includes any post prom party locations.)
-Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. No matter how confident a teenager is about his or her abilities, there will be temptations on prom night. (Remind your teen that the number one killer of teenagers is car accidents.)
-Driving tips for teenagers also means that they know the underage drinking and driving laws in your state and the ramifications should they be arrested.
-Point out that they will be dressed in unfamiliar clothing and not wearing comfortable shoes. That might inhibit reaction time while driving. (More than one new shoe has slipped off a brake pedal.)
-If you have given your teenager an extended curfew, discuss how fatigue can also cause accidents.
-No list with tips for teen drivers would be complete without an understanding that you'd rather have a phone call at 2 a.m. than your teen making the decision to drive impaired.
