Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are the most likely group of motorists to experience a car collision. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are three times more likely to die in a car crash than other drivers, and motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for teenagers.
As a parent, you can set ground rules with your children that encourage safe driving practices.
Establish a no-cellphone policy
Distractions are among the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, causing more than 3,000 fatalities in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Because cellphone use is a major source of distractions, require that your teen turn off his or her cellphone or place it on “Do Not Disturb” mode before driving.
Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle
Passengers can also be a significant distraction for young drivers. You may want to limit your teen’s passengers to family members or one young person until he or she gains more experience.
Restrict night driving
Driving at night can be riskier due to decreased peripheral vision, poor visibility, fatigue and the potential to encounter impaired motorists. The CDC recommends that you require that your child is off the road by 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.
You should also make sure your teen driver has a thorough understanding of all traffic laws. You may want to ride with your child until you are sure they will practice safe driving habits when alone. With a few rules and careful instruction, you can feel confident that your teen is safe behind the wheel.
