Earning a driver’s license marks an exciting milestone for teens. Along with that comes a new level of responsibility. Parents and other adults play a crucial role in shaping safe driving habits by modeling responsible behavior for teen drivers.
“Driver inexperience, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is the leading cause of teen car accidents. … Car crashes are the second leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. Distractions, less skill managing driving speed, and reduced awareness of surroundings also play a role in teenage car crashes.”
Source of quote: “Are teenage drivers more likely to be involved in accidents?“, Progressive.com
Many of these accidents are preventable with proper education, enough supervised driving practice, and the right strategies behind the wheel.
Parents and other drivers in a teen’s life can demonstrate safe driving practices for teen drivers. Be sure to set the example you want your teen driver to follow—your teen is watching!
Conversations about safety do not need to feel like lectures—engage your teen in ways that encourage responsible habits. (We understand it can be tough not to be too overprotective when it comes to your teen’s safety.)
Car maintenance. Teens need to understand what good car care entails. As a driver, they are responsible. Help them understand regular vehicle care, including checking tire pressure, filling the gas tank, and scheduling oil changes.
Safety Kit Essentials – Make sure your teen driver has safety equipment and emergency supplies stowed in their car.
Distractions. Make sure teen drivers understand that distracted driving is more than just texting, emailing, and talking on the cell phone. Distractions range from eating to brushing hair, putting on makeup, adjusting the air conditioner – anything that takes the mind off driving or off the road is a distraction.
Passenger Limits. A best practice is to limit the number of passengers riding in the car with your teen driver. Fewer passengers mean fewer distractions, helping your teen stay focused.
Night driving. Driving after dark is difficult even for the best of drivers. Teens driving at night have a four times higher fatality rate in crashes vs. when driving in daytime, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Know the signs of drowsy driving.
Fatigue increases accident risks. Teach your teen to recognize warning signs such as:
Best advice: if tired, pull over, rest, or switch drivers.
Remember, Accidents Happen—Make Sure Your Teen Knows What to Do
Discuss what steps to take after an accident, including staying calm, ensuring safety, and reporting the incident properly. Preparation can help them handle difficult situations with confidence.
If your teen has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in which they suffered serious injuries due to another’s negligence, contact Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case.
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Source of feature photo – photo credit: Grace Turns 16 Years Old. au_tiger01 via photopin (license)
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published June 17, 2016. It was updated on June 13, 2025, and re-published.
