AVON -
One of the most unnerving times in a parent's life is when a teen child becomes old enough to drive. But how do you know for sure when a teenager is ready to get behind the wheel?
Sixteen-year-old Tyler Wagner got his driver's license about two weeks ago.
His mother, Michelle Wagner, is nervous, "Even though I have faith in him," she claims.
Tyler admits, "Obviously I don't have as much experience, but I'm confident in the car."
Driving instructor Mark Canull says practice is key, "The more experience a student has, the better off that they are."
Canull, is owner and instructor for Coach's Driver Education in Avon. He starts seeing students at age 15, when they get their learner's permit.
"Keep space around your car," Canull advises, and "pay attention, that's probably the hardest thing to do."
Driving safety experts stress that the pressure parents face in keeping their young drivers safe is real, and that they must set and enforce strict safety rules.
Indiana law restricts multiple passengers for new drivers in the first six months. Parents are also encouraged to place limits on driving in poor weather, driving alone at night, and driving on certain roads.
Canull says he sees a lot of people weaving in lanes, "Maybe somebody cuts me off and I glance over just to see what they're doing, and it seems like a lot of people are looking down. So whatever's down there is more important than the road."
Canull says the greatest lessons will come from a parent's example. So his advice is to be a good role model.
"Show them when they're driving in the car, they're paying attention," Canull advises. "They do watch their speed, they do keep space around the car."
In simple terms, Canull says, "It's monkey-see, monkey do."
