by Jenny Trostel, Owner, Saab of Baltimore
In
19 months and 5 days, my son will begin driving. I know this because
he reminds me everyday. Since I own an automotive dealership, he
repeatedly asks me what kind of car he will get when he turns 16 years
old. As I cringe, I tell him whatever he can afford. But I know that
is not the truth. I know that I will break down and give him a very
safe car and I will make sure that he has a lot of driving experience
before I let him drive alone. As a parent I know that this is a rite
of passing that every parent fears. I believe that my son is a good
kid but he will make mistakes when he begins driving.
I grew
up in the automotive business. My father was a dealer. When I learned
to drive, he said that if you are going to drive a car you should know
how to fix one. Luckily I was mechanically inclined and had a good
teacher. I learned the basics about a car from an early age. Since
many schools have such a limited budget, the basics of automotive
maintenance are no longer taught when a teenager takes drivers
education. Not everyone has the same skills as I do, but you can still
understand the basics.
As a parent, I know that I can set a
good example by having good driving and car maintenance habits. There
are basic rules that every driver should understand, so I have come up
with the following 10 rules for new drivers:
As
a parent, I know that I can set a good example by having good driving
and car maintenance habits. There are basic rules that every driver
should understand.
I have come up with 10 rules for new drivers:
When the day comes that my son gets behind the wheel of a car, I want
him to enjoy the road not fear it. I know that I will be as nervous as
any other parent in 19 months and 5 days. But when that day comes and
he drives away by himself, I hope that my son will have learned to be
courteous and safe in his driving habits.