Congratulations to Albany school Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard for signing a pledge not to text and drive. Setting a good example is one of the most important things adults can do to instill safe driving habits in youth.
From the time children turn around to face forward in their car seats, they are watching their parents drive and observing their behavior.
Studies show parents have the most influence over their teens' driving habits, so it is important to demonstrate the need to stay focused on the road when behind the wheel.
In addition to setting good examples, parents should coach their teens to become safe drivers. Skills like gauging the amount of time needed to merge into traffic, slowing down in inclement weather, and using caution when changing lanes are all critical to becoming a good driver. Teens will develop these skills more quickly with proper coaching from a patient, practiced driver.
The New York Teen Safe Driving Coalition was established by The Allstate Foundation and the National Safety Council to help teens, parents and the community work together to ensure the safety of young drivers. New York has strong Graduated Driver Licensing laws that are proven to reduce teen crashes. But they only work if teens and parents know the regulations and abide by them.
To brush up on the rules and best practices, go to www.nsc.org/nyteensafedriving.
Susan Pedo
New York Teen Safe Driving Coalition, Albany