New drivers, particularly the under 20s, are most at risk in the early weeks and months after they pass their driving tests.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists has produced top tips to help parents encourage responsible driving in the crucial first few months – and to encourage safer, more responsible drivers.
Parental involvement is one of the sections in the British-based IAM Motoring Trust report, Younger Drivers, where and when they are unsafe.
The IAM recommends the following tips on how parents can help their novice drivers:
• Use a professional instructor to teach them to drive while giving them extra practice.
• Teach by example: Always use a seat belt and keep to the speed limit restrictions.
• Take them on routes they are likely to drive regularly and talk to them about the risks areas.
• Help them to practice driving in various conditions, such as night time, in poor visibility, and, if possible, on rural roads.
• Educate them on the potential risks (ie, lack of concentration, showing off ) and the distractions that can follow having their friends in the car for the first time.
• Help them to further develop their driving skills by proactively encouraging them to undertake further training, such as an advanced driving course.
