Crash-Proofing Your Teen Driver

By: Bailey Disselkoen Email

Updated: Tue 12:12 PM, Jul 12, 2011

July 11, 2011

The doors to Volvo of Charlottesville will open Tuesday evening for parents of teen drivers who are eager to take steps towards educating their children.

"A lot of parents ask about finding a safe car for their teen, but then say 'what do I do when my teen is behind the wheel?'" explained Volvo of Charlottesville president Liza Borches.

Volvo of Charlottesville will join forces with the Albemarle County Police Department to teach parents the DOs and DON'Ts of driving.

"Many of those laws have changed since those parents went through driving school," Borches said of the yearly July 1 rule changes.

Parents don't always understand the newer rules of the road.

"A lot of times parents think what they're doing is keeping their kids safe, but I can assure you that once they get that experience, they're going to start making mistakes," said Albemarle County Police Cpl. Sean Hackney.

At the parents-only event, experts will discuss the dangers of current technologies.

"Cell phones are a new technology for parents, we did not have cell phones when we were getting our driver's licenses," said Hackney.

Most importantly, parents will learn how to be better role models for their young drivers.

"Accidents happen for a reason, and we have got to figure out how to prevent them," said Borches.

"Set the good example, it starts when the kids are sitting in the backseat, and goes until they leave the nest," added Hackney.

The event will take place Tuesday at 5:30pm at Volvo of Charlottesville.

Fines for Texting While Driving to Increase

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