Our Automotive Blog: Insights and Tips from Metro Wheels & Accessories

Teaching your children about the rules of the road can be a challenge. Teaching rules about anything can be tricky but when it comes to the road, it gets a little scarier. Parents get a little nervous simply because if the rules aren't followed, the consequences could be fatal. A lot of young people, for some reason, believe they are invincible and that nothing can happen. This is where being a parent comes in. As the parent, it's your job to give them a solid dose of reality the first time around before anything bad happens. There are a few ways that this can be done.

1. Information
It is important to teach children the basics of the road. A child should be able to recognize traffic signs and understand what they mean. As they get older, the educational content should expand. Three-point turns, parallel parking and using an indicator should be elements of a 16 year old's driving education. Make sure they are well educated on the technical rules of the driver's education handbook by incorporating the content into daily conversation. Make it fun yet easy for them to retain the information through flash cards as well as hands-on experience. They should also be properly informed on the consequences of any action taken on the road so that they can avoid negative situations as much as possible.

2. Repetition
As a parent, you might feel like a broken record by bringing up the same information over and over again. However, repetition deepens the impression. The more the child hears it, the more a child will be able to recall it at a later time. Don't get frustrated when they are having a difficult time. Be patient and continue to encourage them to listen as you remind them of the rules of the road.

3. License and Registration
Be a responsible parent and make sure that the child is unable to get on the road without a license, registration and/or driver's permit w/ supervision. Driving without a license and registration is taken seriously and will result in a lot of trouble. Make sure that your child is well aware of the consequences as well as the importance of driving with the two in possession. When it comes time for your child to get their license and registration, go to the DMV with them or if it is applicable to obtain their registration online at a site like Registrations Are Us, make sure you are there and available to assist them their first time through this process. This way, when they go to renew their license and registration years down the road, they will know what to do. This will also help them to understand the importance of obtaining registration and the privilege of having a driver’s license.

4. Incentives
It's easy to bicker, complain and chastise a child about what they are doing wrong on the road. When it comes to properly educating your child, be sure to give incentives for what they do right. Encourage and praise the good and you'll see your child do more of it. Incentives can be as simple as an encouraging word, $20 to go shopping, an ice cream cone or dinner and movie. Make the process fun!

Even though children may seem like they aren't always listening, a parent must continue to teach. After all, when it comes to the rules of the road, it's better to be safe than sorry!