Historically,
it was thought that effective driver education and training would reduce high
crash rates of novice drivers 15 to 18 years old. The learning doesn't stop
with just driver’s Training. As a parent, it’s essential that you step up and
take a proactive role in keeping your teens alive and injury-free.
What Can I Do to Keep My Teen Driver Safe on the Road?
Get Involved
1.Share important driving tips in these fact sheets for novice drivers with your teenager.
2.Set ground rules and consequences for your teen driver, and get it in writing.
3.Know and understand the rules of the road.
4.Be a role model – practice safe driving habits every time you drive.
Talk to your kids about traffic safety early and often, before they reach driving age. But don’t stop there: Have conversations with the parents of your kids’ peer groups and compare notes—both are key to your teens’ safety.
Talking is important, but action is even better. Show your kids safe driving behavior. Start by modeling good habits any time you drive them anywhere, even before they begin to drive.
When your teenagers begin driving, we recommend you set ground rules and outline the consequences for breaking them in a Parent-Teen Driving Contract. Consider hanging your contract by the family car keys or near the front door.
Rule 1: No Cell Phones
No matter how experienced you are as a driver, talking on a cell phone while driving reduces your reaction time.. Distracted driving does not just happen – it is a choice. Texting especially poses threats for teen drivers because they choose to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel. Texting simultaneously involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction and is among the worst of all driver distractions. Unfortunately, electronic devices are as tempting as they are dangerous for novice drivers
Rule 2: No Extra Passengers
Most teens are susceptible to peer pressure, which can lead to risk-taking. In a study analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car. Again, the law is not enough. As a parent, you need to establish and enforce ground rules: No more than one passenger in the car at all times, and preferably none.
Rule 3: No Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in teen crash fatalities. In fact, in 2011, it was a factor for 35% of teen drivers in fatal crashes. Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding and staying in control of the vehicle. Remind them to always follow the posted limit and if they are not followed to set consequences.
Rule 4: No Alcohol
Young drivers 15 to 20 years old are at far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than the rest of us, even though they cannot legally purchase or possess it. If lucky enough to survive a crash, your teenager will have to face the consequences of breaking the law. That includes a trip to jail, the loss of a driver's license, and dozens of other expenses including attorney fees, court costs, other fines, and insurance consequences. Your teen will also stand to lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards. Share this fact sheet on alcohol and driving with your teenagers and make sure they know the consequences of breaking laws on impaired driving.
Rule 5: Always Buckle Up
When your teenagers are ready to drive, remind them that whether they are driving across town or just around the neighborhood, wearing seat belts is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of a crash. By keeping drivers in a secure position, seat belts help all drivers maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
Don’t let your teen become a statistic. Set the right example by following the rules of the road, and buckling up every time you get in the car.
What Can I Do to Keep My Teen Driver Safe on the Road?
Get Involved
1.Share important driving tips in these fact sheets for novice drivers with your teenager.
2.Set ground rules and consequences for your teen driver, and get it in writing.
3.Know and understand the rules of the road.
4.Be a role model – practice safe driving habits every time you drive.
Talk to your kids about traffic safety early and often, before they reach driving age. But don’t stop there: Have conversations with the parents of your kids’ peer groups and compare notes—both are key to your teens’ safety.
Talking is important, but action is even better. Show your kids safe driving behavior. Start by modeling good habits any time you drive them anywhere, even before they begin to drive.
When your teenagers begin driving, we recommend you set ground rules and outline the consequences for breaking them in a Parent-Teen Driving Contract. Consider hanging your contract by the family car keys or near the front door.
Rule 1: No Cell Phones
No matter how experienced you are as a driver, talking on a cell phone while driving reduces your reaction time.. Distracted driving does not just happen – it is a choice. Texting especially poses threats for teen drivers because they choose to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel. Texting simultaneously involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction and is among the worst of all driver distractions. Unfortunately, electronic devices are as tempting as they are dangerous for novice drivers
Rule 2: No Extra Passengers
Most teens are susceptible to peer pressure, which can lead to risk-taking. In a study analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car. Again, the law is not enough. As a parent, you need to establish and enforce ground rules: No more than one passenger in the car at all times, and preferably none.
Rule 3: No Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in teen crash fatalities. In fact, in 2011, it was a factor for 35% of teen drivers in fatal crashes. Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding and staying in control of the vehicle. Remind them to always follow the posted limit and if they are not followed to set consequences.
Rule 4: No Alcohol
Young drivers 15 to 20 years old are at far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than the rest of us, even though they cannot legally purchase or possess it. If lucky enough to survive a crash, your teenager will have to face the consequences of breaking the law. That includes a trip to jail, the loss of a driver's license, and dozens of other expenses including attorney fees, court costs, other fines, and insurance consequences. Your teen will also stand to lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards. Share this fact sheet on alcohol and driving with your teenagers and make sure they know the consequences of breaking laws on impaired driving.
Rule 5: Always Buckle Up
When your teenagers are ready to drive, remind them that whether they are driving across town or just around the neighborhood, wearing seat belts is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of a crash. By keeping drivers in a secure position, seat belts help all drivers maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.
Don’t let your teen become a statistic. Set the right example by following the rules of the road, and buckling up every time you get in the car.
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