RoadSafe for Parents

The road is the biggest risk to young people in the UK

In 2009, more than ten drivers aged 17-24 were killed in crashes on British roads every week.

One in five newly qualified drivers crashes in the first six months after passing their test, and 70% report having near misses.

The driving test ensures new drivers have the skills to handle a car. It cannot guarantee they have the experience that helps older drivers avoid crashes.

This is where parents come in!

Parental involvement and influence has a significant role in reducing young driver casualties. Poppy Husband, Evidence Base Researcher, Devon County Council, says:

“Young drivers tend to develop their driving attitudes and behaviour from their parents. Research shows, if parents take risks it is likely that their children will too. By monitoring their own driving, parents can play a key role in reducing the number of crashes involving young people.”

So what can parents do?

Check your habits

Do you do any of the following?

Children and teenagers pick up driving habits from their parents, so make sure you set the best example.

Choose the right instructor

There are no short cuts in learning to drive. Most learners need approximately 45 hours of lessons and at least 22 hours of practice before the test.

Consider these points when choosing an instructor.

  • Anyone taking money for driving lessons must be approved by the DSA. These Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) teach 90% of the learners who pass first time, so it is worth finding a good one.
  • The DSA has tips on how to tell an instructor is approved. It also has lists of ADIs in your area.
  • Instructors often spend around 45 hours alone with a learner. Meet them face-to-face to make sure you and your son or daughter are comfortable.

Practice, practice, practice!

New drivers need lots of practice. It builds their experience, which helps them read the road and avoid collisions.

Parents who drive are in a great position to supervise driving practice, but the advice you give must be spot-on.

The driving test has changed a lot since most of us took the test. This means it is easy to pass on the wrong skills and advice.

To overcome this you can:

  • Take a lesson yourself to refresh your knowledge
  • Ask your teenager if you can sit in on some of their lessons
  • Take a short course in coaching learner drivers -– many are specifically designed for parents

Buy the safest car possible

Newer cars are much safer than older ones. Younger drivers have a higher chance of crashing, so it makes sense to put them in the safest car possible.

Choosing a car for a young driver lists the features to look for when buying a car.

Plan

Accidents usually happen when drivers are distracted or carried away in the heat of the moment. Be upfront and talk through potential scenarios. This will give your teenager the choices to stay safe.

For example, offer to pick them up or pay for a taxi, any time of day or night, no questions asked at the time, to make sure they get home safely.  This gives your teenager an alternative if they or another driver is, under the influence of drink or drugs, or just too tired to drive.

Agree

A Safer Driving Agreement is like a contract, which parents and young drivers sign. It acts as an agreement on simple terms for car use and driving behaviour (parents have to agree to behave too!). You can tailor it to suit your family’s needs.

Software into schools

Schools and organisations can help. Software company a2om, has given copies of Drive iQ to more than 3000 schools.

The interactive software improves hazard perception and helps young drivers prepare for their theory test. Ask your child’s school to issue the login details.

a2om is a key partner in the RoadSafe for Parents campaign.

Think POWDERY

Show new drivers how to regularly check these points. The car’s manual should have information to help.

  • Petrol – sounds obvious but does the car have enough?
  • Oil – a quick oil check can save £1000s on repair bills 
  • Water – are the radiator and windscreen wash topped up?
  • Damage – give the body work a quick check over
  • Electrics – do the windscreen wipers, lights and indicators work?
  • Rubber – are the wiper blades clean and are the tyres in good order?
  • Yourself – is the driver fit and alert? Are they on any medication that could affect their ability?

Learn more and see our celebrity endorsement on the new RoadSafe for Parents site.