Few milestones in life stir up as much joy (for teens) and anxiety (for parents) as when our kids finally get their driver’s licenses. Since their first shaky steps away from our watchful eyes, we’ve wished for a protective bubble to shield them from the world. Yet, as they eagerly hop into the driver’s seat, all they can think about is racing toward their newfound freedom, leaving us to grapple with the terrifying stats we’ve tucked away since they were toddlers. That moment we’ve anticipated—sometimes with dread—for 16 years has arrived. Buckle up, everyone!
Our concern isn’t unfounded. Statistics reveal that drivers aged 16 to 19 are at a higher risk for accidents than any other age group, with car crashes leading as the top cause of death among teenagers in the United States. Even more alarming, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that during the first six months of solo driving, newly licensed teens are about eight times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes compared to their more seasoned counterparts.
With all this information swirling around, here are six practical tips to help make the experience of having a teen driver a bit smoother:
1. Texting is Okay—When the Car Stops
While we should hammer home the point that texting while driving is a no-go, I flip the script once the car is parked. I require my teens to send a quick text when they arrive at or leave any location. A simple “at school” or “leaving the beach now” helps ease my worries and keeps me from spiraling into panic mode when I hear a siren in the distance. I learned this the hard way; after a few nerve-wracking minutes without a check-in from my son, I was left frantically waiting for news from a teammate’s mom about his whereabouts. Talk about a heart-stopping moment!
2. Secure the Distractions
Research shows that 60% of teen crashes involve some form of distraction. To eliminate any temptation to sneak a peek at their phones while driving, I insist they stash their devices in the glove box. If they can’t see it, they’re less likely to think about it.
3. Follow Your Gut
When my oldest son asked to drive to the beach on a holiday, I instantly had reservations about the crowds and chaos that awaited. Despite my instincts, I reluctantly handed over the keys, only to get a panicked call an hour later about a fender bender. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms that teens are most prone to accidents within their first month of driving solo, so trusting your instincts is crucial.
4. Stick to the Rules
I can’t stress enough how important it is to enforce the rules of provisional licenses. In our state, new drivers aren’t allowed to have teen passengers for the first year. While it might seem inconvenient to deny requests from my kids, these regulations exist for a reason. The Centers for Disease Control warns that the risk of crashes increases with each additional teen in the car.
5. Choose the Right Vehicle
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends opting for vehicles that are “big, slow, and ugly.” When considering a car for your teen, prioritize safety features, size, and crash-test ratings. While small cars may be appealing due to their price and fuel efficiency, larger vehicles generally offer better protection in an accident. I chose to pass down my trusty (and 5-star safety rated) SUV to my eldest, while my younger son drives a sturdy older truck.
6. Teach Responsibility
Driving should be viewed as a privilege, not a right. I required both of my teens to maintain a decent GPA and exhibit responsible behavior to keep their driving privileges. They also had to contribute to household chores in exchange for gas money. I made it clear that any tickets or accidents would lead to significantly higher insurance premiums, resulting in swift consequences. This way, they understand the responsibility that comes with driving.
Ultimately, while these tips may not erase my worries entirely, they do help me feel a little more at ease as my teens navigate the roads. And who knows? Maybe one day, that protective bubble will become a reality!
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Summary
This article offers practical advice for parents of new teen drivers, including the importance of communication, securing distractions, trusting instincts, enforcing driving laws, choosing safe vehicles, and instilling a sense of responsibility. With these tips, parents can navigate the challenges of teen driving a bit more easily.