Is your teen in their “I Know Everything” era?
While this confidence can be a sign of growing independence, it can also pose significant challenges when it comes to driving – a skill that demands responsibility, caution, and continuous learning. 3,615 teen drivers (15- to 19-year-olds) were involved in a fatal traffic crash in 2022, and 4,011 people were killed in traffic crashes involving teen drivers. We aim to bridge the gap between your teen’s confidence and the realities of safe driving. A driver’s license comes with more freedom, but it also comes with more responsibility and the opportunity for risks. This page aims to provide you with essential tips, strategies, and information to help you prepare your teen to be a safe and responsible driver.
Risks
Teen drivers face a higher risk of accidents compared to other age groups. These include:
- Inexperience. Drivers in the first two months are nearly twice as likely to crash as they are after two years of experience.
- Peer pressure. The presence of teen or young adult passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with each additional teen or young adult passenger (Source: CDC.gov).
- Distractions. More than 50% of high school students say they text “at least sometimes” while they drive.
- Impaired driving. In 2022, 30% of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in a traffic crash had a BAC level of .01 or higher, and 25 percent had a BAC .08 or higher. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Speeding. Teens are more likely to participate in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding. (Source: Governors Highway Safety Association)
- Seatbelts. 50% of teen drivers who died in 2022 were unbuckled. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Tips
Find the best way to have a conversation with your teen about safety. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. and parents play a large influence on their teens decision-making.
- Lead by example. Your driving behavior sets a precedent. Model responsible behavior by always wearing your seatbelt, following the speed limit and traffic laws, and avoiding distractions. Never drive drunk or impaired.
- Set clear rules and expectations. Establish clear rules about driving, including curfews, no phone use, seatbelts, and a limit on passengers.
- Discuss the dangers of impaired driving. Have an open and honest conversation about the dangers of underage drinking and substance use, especially while driving. Make sure your teen knows that you care about their safety, but also about the legal consequences.
- Practice with your teen. Spend time driving with your teen in different conditions. Nothing will prepare them better than actually getting behind the wheel and trying for themselves.
- Give them a way out. Let your teen know that if they are ever in a situation where they feel unsafe, they can call/text you and you will pick them up, no questions asked. Sometimes, teenagers engage in risky behaviors out of fear, but their safety is our ultimate priority.
- Use technology to your advantage. Consider using apps that monitor driving behavior. Some apps can track speed, location, and phone usage while driving, which ultimately will help you keep your teen safe.
Your involvement is crucial in helping your teen develop safe driving habits. By modeling responsible behaviors, setting clear boundaries, utilizing resources and having a conversation about the dangers of underage drinking and substance use, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with teen driving.