Getting your teens ready for the road this summer

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As the school year ends and prom and summer break nears, teens will be on the road celebrating their new freedom.

However, for the parents out there, it’s important to have some conversations with your children before they make a decision that could impact their life or someone else’s. Parents should take the time to talk with their children, explaining the dangers of driving under the influence and driving while distracted.

These conversations could mean the difference between life and death.

“You do need to have those conversations and they’re not easy conversations to have. But you need to understand that it is so important for you to communicate with your child that they understand the dangers of driving, period. Even, even sober. No drugs, nothing else involved. Just driving is dangerous in just itself,” said the Bowling Green Police Department’s public information officer, Ronnie Ward.

Ward says for adults, driving can be second nature. But for new drivers, they have to think through more situations and may not understand what to do in each scenario. Ward suggests practicing with new drivers and getting them comfortable for certain situations they might face while out on the road.

For teens, Ward says to stay true to your beliefs and say no if someone offers alcohol or drugs.