The Role of Parent – Teen Communication in Road Safety

Children nowadays seem to mature earlier. A rite of passage that kids seem to be most excited about is learning how to drive. Parents need to be open with their teenage sons or daughters when it comes to the do’s and don’ts of driving to teach them how to avoid getting involved in car accidents. Parent – teen communication is the key to any issues kids face as they are growing up, because parents are more knowledgeable and experienced. They know the feeling because they once went through the same issues too.

According to a research conducted by Aviva Insurance in UK, “17 percent of young drivers are more likely to pass their driving test in their first try if they practiced with their parents” and that those who did not “had an accident that required an insurance claim within the first year of passing the driving test”. A study in Oregon in 2005, meanwhile, concluded that the crash, traffic conviction, and driver suspension rates are lower among 16-19 year old drivers who had “100 hours of driving practice with their parents”.
In the US, the number of fatalities from car crashes involving teenagers (15-20 year olds) for 2008 totaled to 6,428.


Reasons why teens are vulnerable to Vehicular Accidents:


• Lack of experience: They are not yet familiar about handling dangerous driving conditions and the machine they are operating.


• Thirst for exhilaration: Teens are open to challenges, and so they take risks regardless of what the situation is, and that includes driving. They would try driving at night, over-speed or refuse to put on a seat belt.


• Development: Studies show that the decision-making component of the brain is still developing, so the teenagers’ ability to react to the driving environment is still slow.


• Driving with fellow teens: A common reason why kids learn to drive is so that they can drive around with their fellow teenager friends. Putting a bunch of kids inside a car can get dangerous, especially if they all have the same perception about driving and end up being reckless. Conversations and commotions inside the car can also distract the driver.



Parents have to keep in mind that they are still the best teacher for their children. In order for their teenage sons or daughters to be responsible behind the wheel, the best way is for the elders themselves to be responsible. Be a good model to your teen drivers and they will definitely follow your lead.