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Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen Through the Dangers of Driving
Providing fully updated advice to parents, guardians, and other adults who supervise teen drivers, this second edition of Not So Fast will help to guide and empower readers. Parents will learn priceless information in teaching teenagers how to evaluate the circumstances of every driving trip, how to say "no" when necessary, how to prepare a "flight plan" for each drive, and how to put safety before convenience. Parents will also benefit by understanding the real dangers and risks in teen driving by recognizing the limits of driver training programs and will thus becoming more informed and proactive in their supervisory role. Current statistics, updated research, and additions dealing with hands-free devices as well as drowsy driving, make this new edition a valuable resource for anyone concerned about teen drivers. Proceeds from sales will support a memorial fund—set up in honor of Hollister's son, Reid, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2006—which subsidizes education and other traffic safety causes.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 11, 2021
I read this book at exactly the the right time. My daughter is about to begin her driving lessons to get her permit, and my son will follow her within a year. It is a daunting prospect for all of us. I am lucky that my daughter is not overly eager to drive and has a reasonable fear of the dangers of driving. We live within walking distance to our town, her school, and most of her friends, so she has some independence without needing to drive.
The biggest surprise for me were the statistics that a teen driving their own car is much more likely to have a crash, which gives me pause with allowing my daughter to have her own car. And also that the most dangerous times for teen drivers is the hour immediately after school. I absolutely intend to draft a teen driver agreement and this book makes me feel better about wanting to be strict and cautious in regards to my teenagers driving.
The most poignant thing about this book is that it's written by a man whose teen son died in an car accident while driving. I think it's commendable that the author has made it his mission to help prevent tragedies like the one he and his family suffered. He asked himself what he wished he had known. Armed with the information from this book, I know I will be a more vigilant parent, reminding myself to be more proactive, and to never prioritize convenience over safety.
The biggest surprise for me were the statistics that a teen driving their own car is much more likely to have a crash, which gives me pause with allowing my daughter to have her own car. And also that the most dangerous times for teen drivers is the hour immediately after school. I absolutely intend to draft a teen driver agreement and this book makes me feel better about wanting to be strict and cautious in regards to my teenagers driving.
The most poignant thing about this book is that it's written by a man whose teen son died in an car accident while driving. I think it's commendable that the author has made it his mission to help prevent tragedies like the one he and his family suffered. He asked himself what he wished he had known. Armed with the information from this book, I know I will be a more vigilant parent, reminding myself to be more proactive, and to never prioritize convenience over safety.
July 15, 2022
I came across this book when I was ordering a student driver magnet for the car. Not So Fast is written by the father of a teen driver who perished in a one-car accident and a road safety expert who is also a mother. The book is slim and a quick read, but helps parents think through many factors that can increase risks associated with inexperienced teen driving, how they can be mitigated, and the necessary steps for ensuring that the training that new teen drivers receive give them as good a chance of safety and success as possible.
While the idea that parents are still able to influence their teen’s driving experiences even after they receive their licenses shouldn’t be too shocking, explicitly discussing and providing examples of an agreement for both the teen and their parent(s) to sign, and giving parents permission and encouragement to reassess the dangers every single time teens get behind the wheel was very helpful to me as I navigate these issues with my own son.
Becoming a licensed driver is a significant moment in many teens’ lives and all parents want their kids to stay safe and succeed; this book provides tangible advice about increasing your child’s likelihood of success.
I highly recommend Not So Fast, and intend to reread it again a year from now when my son is testing for his driver license.
While the idea that parents are still able to influence their teen’s driving experiences even after they receive their licenses shouldn’t be too shocking, explicitly discussing and providing examples of an agreement for both the teen and their parent(s) to sign, and giving parents permission and encouragement to reassess the dangers every single time teens get behind the wheel was very helpful to me as I navigate these issues with my own son.
Becoming a licensed driver is a significant moment in many teens’ lives and all parents want their kids to stay safe and succeed; this book provides tangible advice about increasing your child’s likelihood of success.
I highly recommend Not So Fast, and intend to reread it again a year from now when my son is testing for his driver license.
April 14, 2023
This book was recommended for parents to read by my daughter’s school Drivers Ed teacher. This book has changed some of my beliefs about teenage drivers, and I know what I have learned will help my daughter and her younger siblings to be the safest teen drivers possible. I think this should be recommended reading for every parent as soon as their child receives their learners permit. One of the authors lost his 16 year old son to a one car accident his son caused and I learned a lot from the “parenting a teen driver” mistakes he said he made. It’s inspiring to me that this father turned his grief into something so positive and so helpful to other parents of teen drivers. I am grateful. I also am determined to be a better and safer driving example to my kids.
March 18, 2014
The book offers a good overview of some of the challenges of living with a teen driver. A bit sad of a backstory but the suggestions helped to reinforce what I already knew but was not always thinking of. Not so sure about the whole contract idea though – different families may need different solutions.
November 18, 2013
This is a huge help for those who supervise a teen driver. I'm so glad that I saw it on the library shelf last week. I much prefer the way I look at our teen driving after reading the guidance provided from this man who lost his beautiful son.
December 30, 2014
Must read for all parents. Tremendously helpful, with specific suggestions on what parents can do to navigate the challenges of teen driving. Appropriate introduction and conclusion in tribute to his son without dwelling on the loss.
March 27, 2014
A short and concise MUST read for any parent before you let your teen get behind the wheel of a car.
June 11, 2014
A MUST READ for parents of teen drivers. Great advice and practical suggestions to make your teen driver safer.
July 31, 2014
Read it, buy it, and pass it on. It will save lives, I'm certain. Page for page, the most empowering parenting book I've read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews