Tips for Teen Drivers: Staying Safe on the Road
Our Kansas City roads are busy, and for teen drivers —especially those still gaining experience—safe driving is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Whether a new driver or a parent guiding one, these essential safety habits can help reduce a teen’s risk and build lasting confidence behind the wheel.
Core Safe Driving Habits Every Teen Should Know
There are basics when it comes to driving that can never be said enough. They are simple, but they save lives:
- Follow/obey posted speed limits.
- Always wear your seatbelt — that means both the driver and passengers.
- Turn off the cell phone and keep it out of reach.
- Never text and drive, not even while stopped at a light.
- Minimize distractions — that means don’t eat, drink, change radio stations, or adjust climate controls.
- Never drink and drive.
Why? Because these rules matter.
- Studies show that using a phone while driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence.
- Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds—plenty of time for a crash.
- Distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal accidents across all age groups. However, inexperienced drivers are more likely to lose control of a car.
- Speeding is a leading contributor to fatal teen accidents. It reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes—especially for inexperienced drivers.
Fact: “The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group.”
Safe Driving Practices Teen Drivers May Forget
It is easy to forget these lesser-known practices:
- Adjust the headrest so it supports the head—not the neck—to reduce whiplash risk.
- Hold the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock to avoid injury if airbags deploy.
- Don’t assume other drivers will signal or behave predictably. Someone who has their turn signal on may have just forgotten to turn it off. Other times, drivers forget to use a turn signal and may brake quickly.
- Avoid aggressive drivers by changing lanes and letting them pass.
- Skip risky left turns across busy intersections—look for a traffic light instead.
- Always use turn signals consistently, whether turning or changing lanes.
Safe, Smart Passing Practices
Passing another vehicle can be dangerous if done improperly. Avoid passing:
- Over a solid yellow line on your side — you should have a dotted line to pass
- In poor or dangerous weather conditions
- On hills or curves where visibility is limited
- In construction zones, especially where road work is in progress
- On narrow roads or bridges
When in doubt, don’t pass. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
Need Legal Help After a Teen Driving Accident?
If your teen driver has been seriously injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato is here to help.
Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery. Call (877) 284-6600 today for a free, no-obligation case review. One of our experienced legal professionals will speak with you directly, listen to your concerns, and provide clear guidance on your options.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation Now.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 10, 2016. It was most recently reviewed and updated on September 4, 2025, for content and accuracy, and re-published at this time.
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