Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2008 > April > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTeen’s driving puts mom on edge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My 16 year-old-daughter has been driving since February and so far so good. In the few times I’ve driven with her since she has gotten her license she appears to be a conscientious driver. I also know she may be showing some “good behavior” just to impress me.
But let’s face it, whether us parents like it or not, we do have to cut the cord. Am I comfortable with her driving home from her job at 10 p.m. on a Friday night? Absolutely not! But it’s my problem not hers. In the meantime, I’m trying to figure out an answer to her next request which is: When can I drive to downtown Atlanta for a concert at night?
In my mind I’m thinking “Never” but of course I’m going to have to deal with this one too. Like so many families, we live in the suburbs and downtown, especially from Fayette County seems like it’s so far away, when it actually isn’t.
But when I take the time and think about how long does she have to drive before I’m comfort able with her going downtown, I think a good year of driving should do it. I also think we should take some practice runs downtown, maybe on a twice monthly basis, on Sundays, to get some practice.
No matter where you live in the suburbs, parents of driving-teens, will probably have to face this dilemma.
Please share your advice and wisdom regarding when I should allow my teenager to drive downtown.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Abby Brunks
Comments
By Dan Hubbard
April 30, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
I may have a solution for you. Install a GPS tracking unit in her car. Most parents are using these to know where their teen driver is at all times.
I installed one for my daughter, It made her realize that I would know where she was at all times. I set a speed alert for 65MPH and I get text messages every time she is speeding. I also set up a geofence (boundary alert) so I know when she leaves school or home.
There are several companies out there. I chose DriveOK (www.driveok.com). It was fairly inexpensive and easy to use.
By Sandra
May 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Concerned Mom…VERY GOOD JOB… thank you for being concerned about your daughter’s driving. As a DDC Instructor, first I was saying thank you…because most parents do not seem as concerned as you are. I see alot every weekend. I also keep up with the Statistics and It’s not too good! With young drivers..most of the time they are more cautious with parents in the car with them and they do alot wrong that normally they wouldn’t do while you are with them! The GPS or Smart Track are good devices to put in the vehical…but I’m with you Put her in the bad traffic, take her on alot more trips to Atlanta and just to let you know that sometime Toyota, Mazda and other car dealerships will do things like one was Toyota Teen Extravaganza where they will allow the kids to drive in bad conditions and see how well they can handle themselves. These are sometimes FREE or at little cost. Just get on your comp. and look up some of these and see when they are having them and where. They just had one at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and it was Free!! She may be driving Just Fine but…she really has to PAY ATTENTION at all times just to watch for other people that are not!! During the day time 1 in 4 drivers are impaired in some way..any and all classes she can do or take is GREAT!! State Farm has a new cd and little book it’s called Steer Clear and if she does that it’s another discount on Ins too. Keep up the good work MOM!! Remember it’s better to be concerned rather than having a Knock on your door or a phone call that you don’t want to get!! Sandra