Teen drivers may be simply too young and inexperienced to be trusted on the road. It is paramount that they be taught the basics that make good road sense.

Teach your kids that driving is a privilege, not a right

Just because your child has reached the legal age to drive, that doesn't mean she's entitled to the car keys. Make her demonstrate that she's a safe and responsible driver before you let her hit the road on her own

Help them learn

A driver's training course is a fine starting point but it's no substitute for parental involvement. Spend as much time as possible helping your teen practice. It takes months of driving through all kinds of conditions to develop the requisite skills. It's not something you can rush.

Be a good role model

Though your child may not admit it, you are her number one role model when it comes to driving. So stick to the speed limit, don't drink and drive, or even smoke. Keep your audio music to the minimum and show courtesy to other road users.

Choose the right car

Giving your child a rundown jalopy is inviting trouble, and giving the latest sports car is even worse. Make sure that the car you give has a reliable slow and fast speed, and has safety features.

Limit the number of passengers

A carload of youngsters is like a mobile party, with distracting music, noise and sometimes alcohol. Limit the number to one or two for the first few days, and if you are satisfied, increase the number of passengers.

Insist on seat belts

Though it is something of a novelty among Indians, it is a compulsory rule in the developed countries. Research shows that seat belts prevent death and reduce the severity of injuries. Wearing it also imposes a mental control on the driver.

Restrict night driving

Driving at night takes more experience. It is also true that more accidents that involve speeding, negligent driving, etc., occur during this time, so it is good for your ward to obey the night curfew.

Give your child a feeling of ownership

If your kid becomes really involved with the car, she'll be more careful because she will not want the vehicle to get damaged. So make your kid responsible for washing and taking care of the car, taking it out for repairs, paying for the fuel and contributing towards its maintenance.

Teach good cell-phone habits

Cellular phones can be lifesavers in emergency situations, but in careless hands they can also cause serious accidents. Tell your child never to use one while driving, unless absolutely required.

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