What is Best of Georgia?

Best of Georgia is a customer-voted awards ceremony that helps to get the word out about extraordinary businesses here in Georgia. It is sponsored by Georgia Business Journal and helps local businesses gain credibility and new customers. Customers learn about great goods and services, too, based on peers' recommendations.

Answer Yes or No to the Following Questions:

For the first six months after your teen gets his or her driver's license, did you discourage him or her from driving independently?

This is a crucial question, as it can help you to understand your level of risk. If you answered no, that means that you're more likely to be comfortable with your teen driving on their own. On the other hand, if you answered yes, it's key to ask yourself why.

Do you know who your teen is giving rides to in their car?

If you answered no, that's not a problem. However, it's critical to make sure that you trust your teen's judgment when it comes to passengers. After all, you don't want your child to be giving rides to anyone who could put them in danger.

As a parent, do you set a positive example for your teen by avoiding distractions while driving?

This is a fantastic question to consider, as it can be easy to set a bad example for your teen without realizing it. If you answered no, that means that you're more likely to be distracted by things like your phone or the radio while driving. This is something that you'll want to work on before your teen starts driving, as it's paramount to set a good example for them.

How frequently do you speak to your teen about the dangers of distractions, such as loud music, passengers, and cell/mobile phones?

If you answered no to this question, it's important to have a conversation with your teen about the dangers of distractions before they start driving. It's also crucial to make sure that you're setting a good example by avoiding distractions yourself.

As a parent, do you know where your teenager is planning to go each time they take the car out for a drive?

If you answered no, that's not necessarily a bad thing. However, it's important to make sure that you trust your teen's judgment when it comes to their destination. You don't want your child to be driving somewhere that could put them in danger.

Before your teen gets behind the wheel, do you ensure they are feeling happy and content?

If you answered no, then it might be time to begin having conversations with your teen about their emotional state. At Trillium, we believe parents need to make sure that their teen is in the right frame of mind before they start driving. You do not want them feeling stressed or angry, as this could lead to an accident.

Do you have any driving restrictions for your teenager?

This is a crucial question, as it can help you to understand your level of risk. If you answered no, that means that you're more likely to be comfortable with your teen driving on their own. On the other hand, if you answered yes, it's critical to ask yourself why.

To keep your teen safe, do you place driving restrictions on them — like only allowing them to drive in good weather or during the daytime?

Answering yes isn't always a bad thing on this question. With new drivers, you must figure out how they react in high-pressure situations before you allow them more freedom. If they don't show that they can handle tough driving conditions, then it's best to keep restrictions in place until they build up more experience.

Before your teen hits the road, do you ensure they're well-rested?

Rest is a key factor in ensuring that your teen is in the right frame of mind before they start driving. You don't want them to be feeling stressed or tired, as this could lead to an accident.

Are you clear with your teen that all occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt?

This is a crucial question, as it can help you to understand your level of risk. We understand that this question might sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many teens don't wear seatbelts.

How many passengers does your teen usually have in his/her vehicle? Do you set a limit?

If you answered yes, that more than likely means that you've had a conversation with your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. New drivers shouldn't be distracted by their friends while they're behind the wheel. We have all been in a situation as new drivers where we wanted to be a cool friend and show off to our friends. But, as a parent, it's important to nip that in the bud before your teen gets behind the wheel.

Do you have specific rules in place for your teen's driving behavior? If they break these rules, do you make it clear that their driving privileges will be taken away?

Setting boundaries with a new driver is something that can be overlooked. But, it's important to set these boundaries from the beginning. If you let your teen get away with breaking the rules, they will continue to do so. And, that could lead to an accident.

Do you monitor your teen's driving behavior? For example, do you check their mileage, average speed, or the number of hard-braking incidents?

Monitoring your teen's driving behavior is a great way to make sure they're staying safe on the road. If you see that they're constantly breaking the rules, then you can have a conversation with them about it. And, if necessary, take away their driving privileges until they prove that they can follow the rules.

Why It's Critical to Ask the Tough Questions With Your Teen Driver

As a parent, it's natural to want to protect your child from harm. But when it comes to teen driving, it's important to ask the tough questions – even if you don't like the answers. Why? Because by doing so, you can help ensure that your teen is driving safely and responsibly.

It's also important to remember that your teen is not a child anymore. They're about to embark on a new phase of their life, one that comes with new responsibilities. As such, it's important to allow them to show that they're ready to handle those responsibilities.

If you're unsure of how to start the conversation with your teen driver, consider using the questions above as a starting point. And if you have any concerns about your teen's driving behavior, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional driving school like Trillium for help!