Teen Driving Safety Tips

Inexperience is the main reason why teens are likely to get into a car crash. New drivers have an increased likelihood of getting into a car crash due to their lack of experience driving. It is important to make sure your teen has had a proper amount of education and practice when learning how to drive. Once they obtain their drivers license it is even more important to make sure they continue to practice safe driving techniques.

The likelihood of a crash occurring can be increased during certain circumstances.  Passengers increase the likelihood of a deadly car crash by 44%. Passengers can be a distraction for the driver and may cause them to pay less attention to the road and other cars around them. Teen drivers often drive over the speed limit and do not adjust their speed appropriately for various driving conditions. About half of teens killed in car crashes were not wearing a seat belt. Make sure your teen understands the importance of wearing a seat belt at all times in a vehicle. The fatal crash rate for teens nearly doubles at night. Many of these fatal crashes occur between 9pm and midnight. Inclement weather at night can also be extremely dangerous and can increase the likelihood of a car crash.

Make sure your teen has completed a certain amount of supervised driving practice, typically 40-50 hours before they take the test for their license. The first six months of unsupervised driving is when they are more likely to be involved in a car crash.

Set ground rules for your teen when they are licensed and explain the consequences of breaking them.  Enforce the rules to help them stay safe on the road. For more information visit safecar.gov.