Safe Driving Tips for Teens
For many parents, a new teen driver is both a blessing and a curse. Having more help running errands and driving to activities takes a great deal of pressure off of you, but the dangers of teen driving can simultaneously threaten to cause you more stress than you ever imagined.
We can’t sugarcoat the dangers, either. Statistics from the National Safety Council indicate that the crash risk for teen drivers is three times more than for experienced drivers. In fact, it is usually the inexperience that gets teen drivers into trouble, with the most dangerous time being the first 12 months after getting their license.
As parents, the most important thing we can do is keep track of our children, teach them good driving habits and act as good role models for safe driving.
Be sure to share the following safe driving tips with your teen driver.
- Hang up the phone. Talking on the phone while driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Don’t text and drive. Texting while driving is even more dangerous than talking on the phone, and is illegal in some states.
- Turn on your headlights. This helps you see better and helps others see you.
- Slow down. Speeding causes about 40% of all fatal car accidents involving teen drivers.
- Limit distractions. Don’t eat, drink or play with the radio.
- Limit passengers. Having numerous other teens in the car with you greatly increases the risk of getting in an accident.
- Use defensive driving techniques. Even if you are a safe driver, not everyone else is. Always be aware of the vehicles ahead of you, behind you and next to you.
- Drive the right car. If possible, teen drivers should have a vehicle equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and airbags.
- Wear your seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 60% of teens involved in fatal crashes were not wearing their seatbelt.
- Don’t drink and drive. The combination of alcohol and inexperience makes driving under the influence extremely dangerous for teen drivers.
- Limit night driving. In 2010, 17% of teenagers’ fatalities occurred between 9 pm and midnight, and about 24% occurred between midnight and 6 am.
- Be aware of the weather. Inclement weather and inexperienced drivers is a dangerous combination.
In addition to sharing safety tips and the wisdom of your experience, parents also need to set up solid expectations and steadfast rules for their teen drivers, with consequences for not following them.
Do you have a new teen driver in your household? We can help you make sure they have appropriate auto insurance coverage, and that your family receives all of the discounts that you are eligible for. Teens may be eligible for safe driver discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, good student discounts and more.
