The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As newly established drivers join us on the road, it’s important for families to create a shared partnership of safe teen driving to help prevent accidents.
What Parents/Guardians can do:
It is your job to nurture and teach your child to become a safe and experienced driver. It is important that you are informed, set expectations, and have rules for responsible driving. You play a key role in modeling safe driving practices that will guide your children. Some safe-driving recommendations include:
- Get Informed: Update yourself on roadside laws regarding teen driving requirements.
- Have Open Conversation: Have a clear discussion on the privileges of driving before your child gains their license.
- Create a Driving Agreement: This will help them understand what is expected of them when they begin driving.
- Stay Involved: Monitor your teen’s driving by setting aside time each day to ride with them.
- Be a Role Model: Your child will follow your example. Be sure to demonstrate your own safe driving practices before requiring it from them!
What Teens can do:
Driving is a new world full of possibilities and great responsibility! Becoming a licensed driver requires that teens both understand the rules of the road and recognize the seriousness of this new privilege. Here are some tips to make sure you are ready:
Understand the Laws: Make sure you follow all the rules for the road including:
- Wear a seat belt
- Always stay within the speed limit
- Obey traffic lights, signs and road markings
- Know the rules for teen driving in your state
Stay Focused: Along with your driver’s license, keep your vehicle free from distractions like:
- Using a cell phone to talk or text
- Playing loud music or wearing earphones
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Driving while drowsy or impaired
- Anything that can cause you to lose focus
Be Responsible Always: Being a safe driver is all about making good decisions.
To remember all these steps, download our Safe Teen Driving postcard (available in English and Spanish):