Teen Driver Safety

Why Teen Driver Safety Matters

If you’re a parent of a new teen driver, you probably have mixed emotions—pride, excitement, and a healthy dose of anxiety. The freedom of the open road is thrilling for teens but terrifying for parents. And for good reason.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S.

• In 2022, 5,239 lives were lost due to crashes involving young drivers.
• Teen drivers make up 13% of all motor vehicle deaths.
• Crash risk is 3x higher for teens than for drivers over 20.

Most of these crashes are preventable. With the right mix of education, practice, and clear rules, parents can significantly reduce the risks their teens face behind the wheel.

The 5 Biggest Risks for Teen Drivers

1. Inexperience: Learning the Hard Way

Remember when your teen was learning to walk? Lots of falls, right? Now, they’re behind the wheel of a two-ton machine. The stakes are much higher.

• New drivers lack the instinct to anticipate hazards and react quickly.
• Crash risk is highest in the first year of independent driving.
• The learning curve is steep—more practice means safer driving.
• The CDC recommends at least 30-50 hours of supervised practice driving over six months to build skill and confidence.

2. Risky Behaviors: Speeding, Showing Off, and Taking Chances

Teen brains are wired for risk-taking. Their impulse control is still developing, which makes them more likely to speed, tailgate, and take unnecessary risks.

What makes things worse?

• The presence of teen passengers doubles the risk of reckless driving.
• More than 50% of teen crashes involve excessive speed.
• Males are more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors.
• Leaving early for appointments or school can reduce the urge to speed and drive aggressively.

3. Distracted Driving: The Text That Can Wait

Would your teen close their eyes for 5 seconds while driving? Because at 55 mph, that’s how far a car travels while sending a text.

• 60% of serious teen crashes involve distraction.
• Texting and passenger interaction cause nearly 30% of crashes.
• Even hands-free devices aren’t safe—distraction is distraction.
• Encourage using the “Do Not Disturb” setting on their phone while driving to prevent notifications from causing distractions.

4. Seat Belts: The Easiest Life-Saving Habit

Believe it or not, some teens still refuse to wear seat belts.

• Teen seat belt use is the lowest of any age group.
• In 2019, 87% of high schoolers reported wearing seat belts—meaning 13% didn’t.
• Nearly 50% of teen crash fatalities were unbelted.
• Reinforce that seat belts are non-negotiable. They saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.

5. Alcohol, Drugs & Drowsy Driving: A Deadly Combination

Despite strict laws, some teens still drive under the influence.

The hard truth:

• 1 in 4 fatal teen crashes involve alcohol.
• At all blood alcohol levels, teen drivers are more likely to crash than adults.
• Teens with even a BAC of 0.01% have an increased crash risk.
• Drowsy driving is just as dangerous—fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making similar to alcohol.
• Encourage a consistent sleep schedule to help prevent drowsy driving.

The Best Teen Driver Safety Tip: A Helpful Parent

The good news? Parents have a huge influence on their teen’s driving habits. Here’s how you can help.

1. Lead by Example

Your teen has been watching you drive for years. Make sure you:

• Always buckle up.
• Obey the speed limit.
• Never text and drive.
• Stay calm in traffic (yes, even when someone cuts you off!).

2. Set Clear Rules & Expectations

Consider a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement with non-negotiables:

• No phone use while driving.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• No passengers for 6 months.
• No driving after 9 PM.
• Zero tolerance for reckless driving.

3. Supervised Practice: The More, The Better

Practice is everything. The more your teen drives with you, the better they’ll be when they’re alone.

• Practice in different conditions—rain, night, highways, traffic.
• Gradually increase difficulty as they gain confidence.
• Give calm, clear feedback and make it a positive experience.
• Continue occasional ride-alongs after they get their license to check in on their skills.

4. Limit Passengers & Night Driving

Teen crashes spike at night and with passengers in the car.

Reduce risk by:

• No passengers for 6 months after licensing.
• Setting a curfew—no driving after 9 or 10 PM.
• Gradually increasing privileges as they gain experience.

5. Teach Good Car Management

Being a responsible driver isn’t just about following traffic laws—it’s also about managing the vehicle safely.

• Check the gas gauge regularly. Running out of gas can leave them stranded in an unsafe area.
• Teach them to refuel before reaching a quarter tank to avoid emergency situations.
• Consider having them pitch in for gas, insurance, or registration. Financial responsibility can reinforce safer driving habits.

6. Talk About Distracted & Impaired Driving

Have open, non-judgmental conversations:

• No texting, no exceptions.
• If they’re in a risky situation, they can call you—no punishment, just safety.
• Make it clear: impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, even drowsiness) is never worth it.
• Encourage checking weather apps before heading out to prepare for road conditions.

7. Leverage Technology for Safer Driving

Technology isn’t just a distraction—it can also be a safety tool.

• Use apps that block notifications while driving.
• Consider using a teen driving monitoring app, but be transparent about it with your teen.
• Encourage them to use GPS before starting the car so they don’t have to adjust it mid-drive.

Final Thoughts

Driving is a huge milestone, but safety comes first. By staying involved, setting clear expectations, and giving your teen plenty of practice, you can help them build the skills they need to be a safe and confident driver.

Stay involved. Stay informed. And most importantly—drive safely.