10 ways to raise a safe driver
1. Seat belt alwaysEnsure the first thing your child does after getting in the vehicle is to buckle-up. This is very important and you must emphasize that their seat-belt will protect them if there is ever an accident. Your child should also be made aware that not buckling up is against the law and FRSC […]
1. Seat belt always
Ensure the first thing your child does after getting in the vehicle is to buckle-up. This is very important and you must emphasize that their seat-belt will protect them if there is ever an accident. Your child should also be made aware that not buckling up is against the law and FRSC (Road Safety) officials will charge offenders a hefty sum, often many thousands of naira.
2. Practice makes perfect
After getting their learners permit, try to have your children to drive whenever possible and during various weather conditions, allowing you to gauge their driving skills in many different situations. This will give you many opportunities to give driving advice.
3. School them!
Ensure that your chosen driving school is credible. Look at the training programme provided during the course and make sure they focus on all important aspects of driving.
4. No-friend zone
Your child’s friends should not be permitted in the car while they are driving, until they at least become experienced. Friends chatting, teasing and fiddling with the radio are an all-too-common distraction among young drivers.
5. Rules
Quiz your child on laws and rules of road usage, and if you can, make a fun game out of it. Make sure your child is aware of the rules of the road and knows what all signs mean.
6. Music
Chances are your child has an iPod. Get him/her to make a playlist of songs for when they are driving. Alternately, have them pick one CD or one radio station to listen to the entire drive. If they are constantly picking songs, then their eyes are frequently off the road, which can increase the chances of an accident.
7. No to SMS
Many Nigerians believe texting while driving should be illegal, as it is the cause of many accidents. If your child is frequently on their phone, make it a point to illustrate the hazards of texting and driving.
8. Awareness of other road users
You should make your child aware that they will encounter angry road users. Make sure that they do not react negatively, putting themselves in danger. Plus, good manners are always a delight!