By: Pauline Handy – Marketing Director

These are the very words that burst out of my daughter’s mouth Sunday during her fourteenth birthday party.

It all started with one of my beloved family members, shouting out during cake, “Wow Melissa, I can’t believe you’re fourteen!” “Only two years away from being able to drive.” (Don’t get me wrong, they really are beloved, except at that particular moment.)

She replied by saying, “I know.” “I can’t wait to get my driver’s license.” “I could even get my learner’s permit next year!” “It’s going to be so cool.” “I could drive to school and go to the mall on my own.” Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, is what the rest of it sounded like to me as she continued to list all of the things that would be “so cool” once she is able to drive.

My husband and I glanced over at each other. I’m sure the looks on our faces revealed that we weren’t thinking “cool” thoughts. Later on in the evening when the crowd cleared out and both kids were in for the night, we talked. “How did she get this old already?” I said to my husband. “I know.” I can’t believe she already has all this planned out in her mind,” he replied. I think any parent of a teen getting his or her driver’s license or close to it, could agree; it’s just a new set of worries. That’s exactly where our conversation ended up. Will she be a safe, responsible driver? Will she text while driving even if we tell her not to? Can we afford the insurance and the vehicle expenses for a teen driver? Yup, plenty of worries.

However, it will inevitably happen. She will turn sixteen and want her driver’s license; unless, with any luck, the driving age is increased to eighteen in the next two years. I won’t count on it, though. So, we both concluded that we should be prepared and have a plan that we both agree on.

Just then the light bulb went off. Wait a minute, I thought. I work for an insurance agency! Monday morning I could get the scoop on teen drivers. So, off to work I went on Monday thinking, I know I have tips and information for parents on new teen drivers. After all, it is my job as the Marketing Representative to provide our clients with helpful information.

So, when I arrived to work Monday morning, I started searching and inquiring with our insurance professionals. For my own reference and yours, I wanted to share this with everyone. If you have a teen who will be a new driver soon, take a moment to view the link below to learn some helpful tips about teen drivers. Protect your teen and yourself by planning ahead. Your Teen Driver.

 

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