Is your Teen learning to drive, and you want to help them to be the best drivers possible? There are many ways you can help your teen learn how to drive without getting behind the wheel with them if that fills you with dread.

32% of Road traffic accidents are caused by men in the 17-24 year age bracket, with women in the same age range causing 17% of accidents. This percentage is far higher than any other age group meaning to protect teens on the road; they need to understand the gravity and responsibility of driving and the impacts this can have.

Read on for some tips on how to help your teen be a safer driver.

Learn about their car.

Cars are complex pieces of machinery, so ensuring your teen knows their way around their car before they hit the road can prepare them for a range of situations and emergencies. Teach them the basics about car maintenance so they can recognise any issues and how to find parts they might need from mazda wreckers, for example, for minor repairs such as new wing mirrors or a good mechanic who won't rip them off should they need more extensive work. It might sound silly, but helping them to find the lights and indicators, how to lift the bonnet, fill up with petrol, check oil and water levels and fill them up if needed and check to see if they have a functioning spare tire can go a long way to supporting their safety on the road.

Don't drive distracted.

Distractions when driving are a leading cause of accidents on the road for any driver, regardless of age. And these distractions can come in many forms. From driving with friends and listening to loud music to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while using a mobile phone. Even eating and drinking (which are illegal when driving, too) can take attention away from the road and increase the risk of an accident. So be sure your teen knows how to reduce distractions when driving to allow them to keep their focus on the road.

Emergency Preparedness

Preparing for an emergency might seem a bit dramatic, but in all likelihood, your teen might never have encountered a situation where they need to call for help. This can leave teens lacking in essential skills to support their reactions. If they are driving alone or without an adult, they need to know how to react and what to do to make the best of a bad situation. On top of this, they will have less knowledge of the roads and the actions of other drivers, so in this regard, they will be naive to what could happen.

Talk them through who to call and how to act should they find themselves in a road traffic emergency, even if they are not directly involved and are a passerby. Have a list of emergency contact details in the car along with their insurance and licence details should they need them, and explain what is likely to happen. The more prepared they are for a situation of this severity, the easier it will be for them to know what to do for the best.

Conclusion

If you're worried about your teen's safety on the road, then helping them be a safer driver is vital. From imparting your own wisdom on driving to helping identify potential issues and how their behaviours affect other road users can go a long way in helping reduce accidents on the road and keeping them safe when out alone.