Be a "behind-the-wheel" role model for your teen driver. Credit: Courtesy

Set an example for your child's auto development

NASCAR Performance tips to keep teenagers safe behind the wheel

If you're a parent with a new driver, taking an active role in your teen's driver training can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Teen drivers may have the highest collision rate of any age group behind the wheel, but there are steps you can take as a parent to help prevent your teen from becoming another statistic:

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1. Size up your teen's maturity.

Driving is a social activity. Make sure your teen is ready to take the keys by knowing the rules of the road: respect others, obey all traffic laws, think things through before acting, and keep temper in check.

2. Drive the way you expect your teen to drive.

Here's the fact: Bad drivers breed bad drivers. It's simple: Be a "behind-the-wheel" role model. Always wear your seat belt. Don't ignore speed limits, yak in the cell phone or gesture rudely to other drivers when driving around town with your teen in the passenger seat.

3. Practice makes perfect.

All parents need to be their teen's "practice coach" when they first get their permit. Schedule regular on-the-road driving sessions. Reinforce the proper driving techniques, correct mistakes calmly and provide plenty of praise when your teen does well behind the wheel.

4. Limit distractions.

Eliminate night driving and peer passengers. Insist that your teen avoid eating, using a cell phone, scrambling for CDs or scrolling through their iPOD while driving.

5. Equip your teen with a safe ride.

Perhaps the best line of defense in keeping your teen driver safe is arming them with a safe car. Avoid small sports cars and SUVs and instead equip your teen with a car that has low injury rates and low rollover rates. The latest in safety technology -- side airbags, anti-lock brakes, etc. -- goes a long way in protecting your teen if he or she is involved in a traffic accident.