Moving Forward: Teens and Parents
The urge to drive
You want to drive. You're ready. You're even working on a "road mix" of your favorite tunes for when you hit the highway. In fact, you'd be out the door right now if it weren't for two things — Mom and Dad.
They don't want you to drive, at least "not yet," as they say. And, every time you go to bring it up, it seems there's another story on the news about some teen driver who did something stupid behind the wheel.
The truth is, your parents probably want you to drive, too. But sadly, the stats are scary. From their point of view, they're putting the thing they value most — you — into a very expensive, heavy, fast-moving, turning, spinning, shiny, chrome-plated machine and sending you out into the world with other such machines to fend for yourself. That's a lot for them to process. It's often easier to just say no. Maybe they think you'll be safer that way.
Still, the only thing begging and pleading will do for you — is make you good at begging and pleading. If you want results, you're going to have to think like (gasp!)…an adult!
That's right! Driving is a privilege reserved for mature and responsible people. So, if you want to drive, you've got to show your parents you've got the right stuff.
First, know the facts:
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers
- 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age
- 3,467 drivers ages 15–20 died in car crashes in 2005
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates the economic impact of auto accidents involving drivers ages 15–20 is more than $40 billion
- 23 percent of teen drivers killed in 2005 were intoxicated
- According to a recent survey of people ages 15–17:
- More than half of young drivers use cell phones while driving
- 69 percent said that they speed to keep up with traffic
- 64 percent said they speed to go through a yellow light
- 47 percent said that passengers sometimes distract them
- Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS)
Scary, right? Yet, knowing and understanding statistics like these can help you understand what you're up against on the roads. Showing your parents you understand what's going on out there, and talking about it, is likely to help them see that you know you need to take driving seriously.
Making your case:
No amount of talk is going to get you in the driver's seat if you can't hold up your end of the bargain. That means if you promise something, you'll do it. Showing your parents how responsible you are is critical.
- Be responsible in your everyday activities (school work, keeping track of your stuff, etc.), not just when it comes to driving
- Mention to your parents you've been doing well in school and that better grades may get them a discount on your insurance
- Offer to invest in your driving. If you have a job, discuss how you can help pay for gas, pay toward your insurance or other car-related fees.
- Set up your own rules of the road:
- You'll drive safe — safe speeds, safe turns, safe passing and so on
- You'll drive smart — no drugs or alcohol, no messing around
- You'll always wear a seatbelt
- You won't talk on the phone while driving
- You'll limit the number of passengers in the car
- You'll tell your parents everywhere you plan to go
- You'll keep the music down and limit other distractions
Offer to drive places with them so you can show them your developing skills. Offer to run short errands to learn your way around and show them you can be timely and responsible.
When you know driving is a privilege, and you've shown you've earned that privilege, both you and your parents will be heading in the same direction when it comes to driving.
Don't go around in circles about driving! Go to Nationwide SmartRideSM and get the facts today!
This article is provided for general, informational purposes only and is not intended as advice specific to your situation.
