I've got two teenage girls 14 & 15 who will be drivers soon. My oldest will be getting her permit this fall. In my mind the biggest concern is distractions from her phone. Obviously we've already had the discussions about how there won't be a car for her if we ever see her using her phone. I'm sure that's easier said than done.
On to the car discussion. A few years ago when we leased a Subaru Legacy I thought the new defensive protections were amazing. The camera's watching for lane control, watching when you back up, etc. I suppose for me I thought it was great, but I've also learned the systems aren't perfect. I've relied on the system while backing up in a parking lot and I'd say it's not 100% accurate. With that in mind I don't want my kids to learn to rely on these systems. They need to get into the habit of always looking behind when they back up and checking their blind spots. So that scares me a bit. So even though I know these systems are their to protect i think it may not be the best choice for a first car until they learn the basics and check blind spots regardless. As for teaching them to drive a car and stay focused, I've actually thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to look for a manual. It would force them to stay focused driving and really drive the car and be engaged in the process. On the other hand it scares me to think how many times that clutch is gonna get wrecked. I learned on a clutch, but damn it took a beating at first!
So any thoughts on this subject based on your own experiences? I have three girls in all, but the two oldest will have to share this first car during high school.
On to the car discussion. A few years ago when we leased a Subaru Legacy I thought the new defensive protections were amazing. The camera's watching for lane control, watching when you back up, etc. I suppose for me I thought it was great, but I've also learned the systems aren't perfect. I've relied on the system while backing up in a parking lot and I'd say it's not 100% accurate. With that in mind I don't want my kids to learn to rely on these systems. They need to get into the habit of always looking behind when they back up and checking their blind spots. So that scares me a bit. So even though I know these systems are their to protect i think it may not be the best choice for a first car until they learn the basics and check blind spots regardless. As for teaching them to drive a car and stay focused, I've actually thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to look for a manual. It would force them to stay focused driving and really drive the car and be engaged in the process. On the other hand it scares me to think how many times that clutch is gonna get wrecked. I learned on a clutch, but damn it took a beating at first!
So any thoughts on this subject based on your own experiences? I have three girls in all, but the two oldest will have to share this first car during high school.
