Teach your Teen to drive : Part 7

ON THE ROAD COMMUNICATION
HOW TO DO IT WELL
New drivers have to practice communicating when changing speed and direction. Ensure that your new driver learns to signal before, turning corners, changing lanes and exiting and entering highways. Explain to them how to use brake lights and hand signals to communicate to other road users when they want to slow, stop, or park.
THE ROLE YOU PLAY
As the two of you are driving along, try to point out when other drivers neglect to communicate their intentions. Teach your new driver that a good rule of thumb for making a turn is to signal before braking, so that the driver behind knows that you are going to slow down. Repeat to your new driver that they must pay attention to the traffic behind their vehicle. To avoid being hit from the rear, advise your new driver to check the mirrors and pump the brakes before slowing or stopping.
SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS
New drivers can become excessively concerned with switching on the signal indicator. At times, they do not to let the vehicle straighten out from a curve or a previous turn before signaling for the next turn. Ensure that your new driver waits until the vehicle is straight before trying to signal again.
Be aware of new drivers risking loss of steering control when attempting to use the signal lever.
Have your new driver practice using the signal lever without taking their eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel. This can also apply when operating other instruments in the vehicle while driving, especially in heavy traffic. You may have to remind your new driver to wait before tuning the radio or use other instruments while at an intersection—and wait for a more calm section of roadway.
IMPORTANT LESSON
Ensure other drivers can see your vehicle, and let other drivers know what you plan to do.
WHERE TO PRACTICE
You can practice communicating on any type of road. By prompting your new driver to signal before every turn in a quiet neighborhood, signaling can become almost automated later on in heavy traffic. With good signaling skills, your new driver can spend more time focused on other important driving decisions.