*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Toyota. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
As a parent of a Tween here in New York City, I know that it is only a matter of time before he is old enough to want to go and get his driving permit. Although I understand his excitement at being able drive and asserting his independence, I worry about him driving safely in an urban environment. I was a teenager once so I understand how peer pressure and the fact that teenagers think they are invincible can be a dangerous combination when it comes to driving.
Looking back on when I started driving, I wish someone would have taught me how to do some basic upkeep on my car. It would have been great to know how to check the oil and possibly change a tire back when I was driving around in my old jalopy. It’s actually quite embarrassing how many times I became stranded on the side of the road and had to call my parents to come and pick me up because something went wrong with the car and I had no clue what to do to fix it. Many people don’t realize that understanding basic vehicle maintenance is an important part of driving safety.
I’ve been a Toyota owner for over five years and I was very excited to learn that they are offering a FREE “Teen Driver Safety Clinic” for teens and their parents at select Toyota dealerships. TeenDrive 365 is aimed at helping teens and their parents become educated about vehicle dynamics and safety features, defensive driving, distracted driving and the importance of vehicle maintenance. This non-driving program is the perfect opportunity for parents and teens to learn safe driving tips by professional instructors inside their local Toyota dealerships.
Toyota dealers in the New York and New Jersey Tri-state area are hosting a series of FREE TeenDrive365 Safety Clinics in the months of September and October. The experience includes a safe driving simulator along with a classroom learning session that covers defensive driving tips, car operations, car safety features, and basic maintenance. I really like the fact that the sessions will also focus on helping parents and teens communicate effectively about safe driving practices.
Being able to talk to my son about my concerns around his driving is very important to me. My cousin died in a tragic car accident when I was a kid and I remember how devastated the whole family was. I’ve always been open with both of my boys about the risks involved in driving recklessly and shared with them stories of how my cousin’s life was taken from him at such a young age. It’s important to have these conversations with your kids no matter how difficult they might be.
These clinics are for teens and parents to attend together. Space is limited with just 60 available spots at each dealership so you have to RSVP for you and your child to attend as soon as possible! When the moment arrives that your child is old enough to get behind the wheel and out on the road, you will be glad that you armed him or her with the skills and information to do so safely.
Let’s Discuss: What are some of your biggest concerns when it comes to having your teen driving on the road?
Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Toyota. However, all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2014, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
I see so many young people driving and talking on their phones. I know I can’t concentrate on driving when I am talking, so if I talk to someone, I pull over to do it.
I have two teenage drivers and I think a clinics like these are awesome.
My 17 year old step son just got his license last month and I would love it if he could go to a clinic like that. Kids driving worry me.
I’m all about safe driving. It is funny to think now I’m old enough to complain about those crazy teenagers!
Great project! I hope they decide to expand it into other states, we all would love to send our kids to something like that.
This sounds like a fantastic program. I am all for anything that creates safer drivers.
I just worry about distractions. It is hard enough to keep yourself focused but you can’t control everyone else.
I can’t wait to do my road test 😀 Bummer that I have to get acquainted driving a mini van instead of a sedan.
This is such a good idea. I worried about my kids so much. Everything turned out ok but this would have made me feel so much better.
My biggest concern is other drivers. I have a few more years to go before my eldest is a driver, but I know he will be responsible because I raise him that way. I cannot say the same for other parents of young drivers.
This is such a good idea. We really need to focus on driving safety especially in the teens.
Boy I’ll never forget when I passed my driving test even when I went through a “do not enter” sign at the very end. A simulator would be cool.
What an awesome idea! Teens have so many distractions both behind the wheel and not, that I think it’s great to have this dialogue going on. Way to go Toyota and Moms!
I think this is a great idea for a campaign. My own son has been driving for a year and I always want him to be safe.
I’m sorry to hear about your cousin. My husband’s cousin just lost his son last year. It really was tragic for everyone.
I think this is awesome that they are offering this service. I took Driver’s Ed and it was such a great learning experience for me.
I think this is such a great class for teens to take. It’s important to give them a good safe driving foundation!
I don’t even want to think about my son learning to drive it scares me.
This is great we need a TeenDrive365 Safety Clinic here. My Son has been driving for a few years and besides his love for driving a little fast i feel confident about his driving. He took a drivers ed course.
I really hate driving in a city, it makes me super nervous. The safe driving simulator sounds really interesting and fun.
Mine aren’t old enough to drive yet, but I think (and hope) that my children will be safe enough drivers that the main worry will be other drivers.
I just took my Teen today to get his permit… I wish we had a program like this in Florida, would keep my mind at ease.. anything to tach the kids is awesome.. it’s a scary world out there
I am so happy that I am a long way away from my son getting behind a wheel of a car. If he is a driver like I was then the roads are going to be a scary place. I could have used a simulator like this when I was learning to drive.
I love anything that helps to keep young people safer on the road. I have a Tween granddaughter, so it is only a matter of time before she’ll be driving– and I still remember how scared I was the first time I let her Daddy take the car out alone.
This looks like a great program! I was glad to read that your son was a little ways away from driving still…he looked so tiny in the drivers seat LOL
That is a great idea. I’m going to be scared when my kids start driving. Amber N
A great idea for teens. My son just got a car and already dented it. lol
Oh I hope this continues to spread! I would love to see it near me!
I think as long as we educate our teens, they’ll be fine. Education can go along way. They need to know the law and the proper way to respect the cars, road and other drivers.
My daughter would have benefited from this 2 years ago and my son needs something like this when it’s time to get his drivers license.
This definitely needs to be implemented in all driving facilities and classes. So many would benefit.
This is a great program that every state needs to have!
It’s so important the teen drivers learn how to drive safe. Great program by Toyota.
This Is great! I hope they come to my state soon. It really is a tragedy to here stories about teens being seriously injured or killed in accidents. My daughter has two more years before she can get her license. I would definitely go to a clinic like this for her.