How parents talk to their teens is a critical component to teaching them about safe driving techniques and reinforcing their safe driving practices. Steering Teens Safe (STS) will help you get your message across to your teen.
Timing Is Everything
- Continue talking with your teen about driving safety as they continue driving independently. This will reinforce safe driving practices.
- Pick a time to talk when you and your teen are both calm. Consider making a coffee date, taking a walk together, or find some other casual and comfortable environment.
- Make sure you are not rushed. Throwing in a conversation about wearing a seat belt while your teen is rushing to get out of the door will not be very effective.
- Safety conversations are often most effective in small batches. Pick one topic for each conversation. However, remember that you should introduce the topic on multiple occasions.
- When teens begin driving without supervision, parents often stop supervising their driving. When you go somewhere with your teen, let them drive, and use that time to talk about driving safety.
Get started
- First, ask your teen these two questions »
- Tips for effective communication with your teen »
- Some example conversations »
Get through to your teen
The OARS technique is the foundation for communicating effectively with your teen. OARS is an acronym for Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing. Use all four to get the most out of your conversations with your teen.
