Parents

A combination of youth and inexperience make the first few years for a young driver the most dangerous. During this time they will be at the highest risk of being involved in a serious road traffic collision.

However, as your child starts on this journey there are many things you can to do to help reduce their likelihood of being involved in a crash.

Even before they start learning to drive consider this: Research shows that your children will copy you in your attitudes and actions, this is true from all safety issues from smoking to driving. They have already spent a lot of time observing your driving, so if you use your mobile whilst driving they are more likely to as well. If you regularly drive aggressively so will they. Even if they have seen some 'poor driving' from you in the past make sure they are only exposed to the best driving habits from now on.

Max Chantrey DSFRS

Make sure you have the conversation!

Before your child starts to learn to drive you need to have a conversation with them to agree upon what restrictions will apply once they pass their test. Many parents contribute towards the cost of getting them on the road for the first time - driving lessons, purchasing a car and insurance to name a few. If you are going to contribute towards the cost you have a right to ask for something in return!

See more info on Tips for parents of new drivers | insurethebox and below

RoSPA's Safer Driving Agreement between Parents and Teens

Parents Events

We hold an event specifically for parents of young people aged between 16 and 19. This is because that age group is the most at risk on the roads either as passengers or as drivers. This is an exciting age that sees young people gain new levels of freedom by learning to drive and being driven by their friends. However this independence comes with a lot of responsibilty and risk and we know what a difficult time this can be for parents and carers of this age group.

Last year's event was an hour-long virtual event featuring a panel of experts. The speakers and stories highlighted the risks of inexperience and common factors that affect the safety of young people on the roads including guidance on best practices; technology and its availability to aid young adults with their driving; which driving instructors to choose; as well as opportunities to hear from families and emergency service workers about their personal experiences.

The 2021 panel consisted of experts from the police, fire and rescue, and ambulance service, including:

Former Firearms and Traffic Sergeant and Learn2Live campaign ambassador - Harry Tangye.
Devon & Cornwall Police Roads Policing Lead Investigator - Inspector Olly Tayler.
Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Road Safety Officer and Governor for South West ambulance Trust, 32 year ex paramedic - Andy Nickolls.
Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Road Safety lead officer and operational Watch Manager – Chris Boston.
Risk, Engagement Education & Evaluation Officer, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Cornwall Council - Tamsin Ferris
Lincolnshire’s Detective Chief Superintendent and National lead for Serious Injury and Fatal Collisions - Andy Cox

Watch the 2021 Parents Event here

Parents

Make sure you have the conversation!

Parents Events

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