(NAPSI)-There's a lot parents can do to steer their teen to become a safer driver. Studies show that teen vehicle crashes--the leading cause of death for young people in the United States--are reduced when parents take an active role in their teen's driving education and set certain driving guidelines.
Here are some tips from the experts at Chrysler, who sponsored and helped develop Road Ready Teens with other safety groups. The program is modeled after the graduated drivers license program that is currently in effect in many states.
Be a Good Role Model
Follow all traffic laws and always buckle up in the front and back. Never drink and drive. Your teen will follow your lead.
Choose the Right Car for Teen Drivers
Turn to the experts for advice or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Start Early
Set driving ground rules in the beginning to help your teen learn to drive and gain experience. In the early stages of driving, work with your teen to determine limits that everyone can live with. Slowly introduce him or her to high-risk driving situations, such as bad weather, nighttime driving, heavy traffic and highway driving.
You Hold the Keys
Parents can and should set the rules. If at any time your teen driver violates the driving rules agreed on or receives a traffic citation, you should consider waiting before moving him or her to the next level.
In addition, consider one of the following consequences:
• Suspend your teen's driving privileges for a predetermined period of time.
• Restrict your teen to driving only to and from necessary work- or school-related activities.
Remember, teen crashes can be prevented. Studies prove that many teen crashes are caused by distractions such as other teens in the vehicle, talking on cell phones, listening to loud music or eating and drinking. Alcohol and speeding are also factors in many teen crashes. Another risk is a lack of experience driving at night and in adverse weather, when visibility is reduced and reaction time is slowed.
For more information and to learn more about Road Ready Teens, visit www.roadreadyteens.org.