One of my tips for parents of teen drivers in “Tips From Reid’s Dad” is that if you can afford a GPS tracking system or similar technology to use to monitor a new teen driver, do so. Shining a spotlight on conduct is a proven way to encourage compliance.
Recently, a mother of a new teen driver sent me an email, saying: “My son recently got his license. I informed him that my husband and I had installed a GPS tracking device on the car he would be using, so we could monitor where he was driving, and his speed. His response was to hand me his license and say that he would not drive until the GPS was removed from the car. Tim, what is your advice?”
I wrote back: “You and your husband need to stand your ground. By using the GPS system, you are engaging a time honored and effective parent tool known as “trust but verify.” If your teen chooses not to drive because of the GPS, that is his choice (and you need to acknowledge that this may be inconvenient for you because you may have to drive him to school and places he needs to be), but you need to stand your ground and make it clear that the GPS is for his safety and your peace of mind, and therefore non-negotiable.”
I am interested in any suggestions as to other advice that could be given to these parents or their teen driver.
