What to Give the New Driver in Your House

Oh at long last the day is finally here, while your child may be excited, as a parent you may be worrying about the safety of your new driver. Here are some gift ideas for your newly licensed teen that are more useful than fuzzy dice and will give you some piece of mind by providing a little extra safety. The prince range for vehicle accessories varies quite a bit, it pays to shop around and look for sales.

Fog Lights: Not only do they look cool on a car or truck, they really improve your night vision in bad weather. They come in many styles from sleek and sporty to tough and rugged.

Cell Phone: If they don't already have one it may be time o get one. There are many options now with pre-pay phones so you don't get a surprise bill. But being able to call for help is priceless when you are broken down. You can start it with a twenty dollar card and use it for emergencies.

Calling Card or a roll of quarters: Cell phones are great but they don't always have reception or a charge, it's always a good idea to have a back up plan.

Emergency Roadside kit: This is something that every driver should have. A good kit will contain jumper cables, flashlight, first aid kit, emergency foil blanket, basic tools, tow rope, gloves, fuses, tire pressure gauge, fix-a-flat, flares, small air compressor etc... These can truly be life savers.

A Driving club/ towing club membership: Like "AAA", they will tow your car, unlock your doors if you mistakenly lock yourself out, bring you gas if you run dry and other types of roadside assistance. Most of these clubs offer discounts if you already have a membership, so add you child on for some piece of mind

GPS: This can help your child find their way home if they become lost or find themselves in a bad neighborhood. Many GPS's do not require a service plan and are "plug and play" items. This can also help them build self confidence in their travels; they will always know where they are and how to get home.

Deer Whistle: It's a small item that gets attached to the outside of your car, when traveling air blows through it producing a high pitched sound that may help scare off deer.

Gas Card: Who doesn't need gas nowadays, having a gas card in your glove box is key if you're low on cash and running on fumes.

Gift Certificate to a mechanics or auto parts store: This can be for an oil change, tune up, tires, windshield wipers, fluids, or any other maintenance that may need to be done to the car. Teens are notorious for not keeping up on their vehicles. Get them interested in taking care of their car and it will last them a lot longer.

You could also make them your own version of an emergency kit in a backpack that they can throw in the trunk, include items that you have found useful or things you wish you had when you were broken down. Like; a few bottles of sealed water - this can be used to rehydrate you, or fill a radiator if your car has overheated. Some granola bars, a small blanket, rain poncho, flashlight, a quart of oil, a small section of strong rope, winter gloves & a hat, a cheap pair of sneakers -in case they break down wearing heels, or flip flops, no one wants to walk any type of distance n that kind of footwear.

For a parent it is unsettling to think of your child in trouble, or stuck on the side of the road somewhere. But you can try to prepare them so if the worst case scenario happens they have some of the items and tools that may enable them to help themselves. Give the gift of safety to your new driver, and teach them how important it is to be prepared. They are growing up and unfortunately you can't protect them from everything, but you can make safety into a cool and useful birthday present.