How We Parents Can Help Guide New Drivers To Safer Roads

Every time I climb into one of our station vehicles, I catch myself doing the same thing many parents do. I worry.

Not just about myself, but about everyone else on the road, too. Especially young drivers still learning good habits behind the wheel.

Whether your teenager just got their license, your grandkids are learning to drive, or even if you've been driving Texas roads for decades, a few simple reminders can go a long way toward helping all of us get home safely.

The truth is, safe driving starts before you ever put the vehicle in gear.

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1. Prepare Before You Even Start The Engine

One of the smartest habits any driver can develop happens before the vehicle ever moves. Adjust your mirrors. Position your seat correctly. Make sure you can comfortably reach the pedals and steering wheel. Put your phone where it won’t distract you.

Young drivers especially tend to rush this part because they’re excited to get moving. But taking 20 or 30 seconds to prepare can improve visibility, reaction time, and overall awareness. Safe driving starts before the engine starts.

2. Put The Phone Away And Leave It Alone

This one may be the hardest for younger drivers. Text messages, social media alerts, videos, and notifications can wait. Nothing on that phone matters more than getting home safely.

Texas law already bans handheld phone use for drivers under 18, but honestly, this reminder applies to all of us. A distracted driver can drift across a lane in seconds. If the phone needs attention, pull over safely first.

3. Seat Belts Still Save Lives

It sounds simple because it is simple. Buckle up every single time. Short drive. Long drive. Daytime. Nighttime. Doesn’t matter.

Seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injuries during a crash. And if you're driving with passengers, make sure everyone buckles up before the vehicle moves. No exceptions.

4. Keep Your Eyes Moving

One mistake many young drivers make is focusing only on the car directly ahead of them. Experienced drivers learn to constantly scan the road.

Check mirrors often. Watch traffic patterns. Look farther ahead for brake lights, debris, sudden lane changes, or drivers who may not be paying attention. The more aware you are of what’s happening around you, the more time you have to react safely.

5. Slow Down And Show A Little Patience

This may be the biggest lesson of all. Use your turn signals. Let people merge. Don’t tailgate. Leave a little earlier so you’re not rushing. Aggressive driving helps nobody.

I’ve learned over the years that arriving safely matters far more than arriving a minute earlier. Sometimes patience behind the wheel can prevent an accident before it ever happens.

Helping Make Texas Roads Safer

As parents, grandparents, family members, neighbors, and friends, we all play a role in teaching safe driving habits. And honestly, many of us older drivers probably need reminders too.

If we can encourage patience, awareness, courtesy, and responsibility behind the wheel, maybe we can help make Abilene, the Big Country, and all of Texas a little safer for everyone. Because every driver on the road is somebody’s family.