If you’re a parent of a teenaged driver, to say things can get a little stressful would be an understatement. Fortunately, the antique car show organizers at Charlotte AutoFair Produced by Hornets Nest Region, AACA in Charlotte, NC, have put together a helpful list of tips for keeping your sanity if you have a teen driver in your family.

3 Tips For Helping Teen Drivers Stay Safe

Start Small

When you first start out teaching your teenager to drive, start with short, small trips. Just travel a few miles and focus on giving gentle instructions. It can be easy to forget what it was like for you when you first started driving and get frustrated with your teenager. This won’t help. They’re likely already nervous, and feeling like you’re also stressed out will only increase their anxiety. So, give constructive criticism, especially when it comes to safe driving, but give them the opportunity to do better in a safe learning environment. As they get better, you’ll be able to take longer trips and try out different driving scenarios.

Try A Contract

Teenagers want to feel like they have autonomy. As a parent, you want to make sure they don’t hurt themselves or others. One way to make sure that they’re being safe while retaining some independence is to draw up a contract of safety rules. Make your teen commit to driving safely in very specific ways, and they’ll feel like they’re being trusted with a responsibility they won’t want to let down. That way, you both get what you want.

Equip Your Car Safely

Make sure your car has all the necessary tools to safely handle any emergencies your teen may encounter. You should include everything from a flat tire kit to flares, flashlights, blankets, water, and jumper cables. That way, your teen will be prepared for whatever happens and you’ll have a little more peace of mind.

Are you interested in attending or participating in the Charlotte AutoFair? Give the Charlotte AutoFair Produced by Hornets Nest Region, AACA a call at (704) 841-1990, and they’ll be happy to help out. Or, visit their website for more information about the show.