The Secret to Successful Teen Drivers

> Set the best example
> Get it in writing
> Your opinion counts
> “Because I said so.”
> Resources you can use

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Mile for mile, they are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.

Each year, more than 5,000 teens are killed in passenger vehicle crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Young drivers, ages 15 to 20 years old, are especially vulnerable.

You want to do everything you can to protect your teen, and there are many great tools to help you. However, you might be surprised to learn that you are one of the best resources to groom your teen for driving success. Studies show that parents have the greatest influence over teen drivers. These tips will help you see how daily involvement can make a big difference in your teen’s driving.

Set the best example

Your teen’s driving lessons begin long before driver’s ed classes start. You and other adult drivers provide the first, and most lasting, lessons in safe driving. Studies show that teens model their parents’ driving habits, so be a good role model. The safety and care you take behind the wheel will influence your teen’s behavior.

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Get it in writing

A parent-teen driving contract (see the list of resources at the end of this article for a printable copy) outlines your joint agreement with your teen about driving privileges. This tool helps you define both your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing Laws, as well as your own expectations for safety, such as day and night restrictions, passengers, cell phone use, etc. The agreement also is a practical way to identify basic vehicle rules, such as who pays for fuel or who washes the car. Families with parent-teen agreements report that the defined restrictions, and the daily focus on those rules by both parents and teens, have a positive impact on teen safety.

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Your opinion counts

Parents and teens alike feel that parents play an important role in motivating teens to drive safely. Look for positive reinforcement opportunities. Remind your teen of important safety tips, such as seat-belt use and reducing distractions. Take care not to nag, but also remember that your new driver is overwhelmed with everything that’s going on and cannot always see where he or she went wrong. An objective perspective is helpful. You can point out improvement opportunities that a new driver might miss.

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“Because I said so.”

Parents are sometimes reluctant to make the final decision, striving for collaboration. Sometimes, however, you have to make the tough call to protect your teen. Vehicle choices are a perfect example. Your teen might choose a sporty two-seater or roomy SUV, given the opportunity. Those may not be the best choices for your teen, or your insurance rates. Involve your teen in the research for all aspects of vehicle ownership as a way to help him or her understand the safest options. This research also will help you see vehicles in a different light, since your previous vehicle decisions were based on personal or family needs rather than teen driver challenges.

Sure, you’d like to influence your teen to pick up his clothes or clean her room. But it’s even more important to keep safe driving habits top of mind, and it’s nice to know you can have an impact in this important area. It takes daily focus on the rules and restrictions necessary for teens to acquire confidence behind the wheel, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind that comes with having a safe teen driver.

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Resources you can use

AAA has compiled the following resources to help families prepare a teen for success behind the wheel.

  • Welcoming Your New Driver. This AAA brochure set is a terrific guide for families embarking on the teen-driver journey. Request a free copy of the brochure set by calling AAA Colorado at 303-753-8800 ext. 8105.
  • The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. Put it in writing so you and your teen know the family rules and responsibilities on both sides. Print a free copy from AAA.com/drivingcontracts.
  • Teaching Your Teens to Drive. This $29.95 handbook and 60-minute DVD can help plan your teen’s driving practice. For more information, call AAA Colorado at 303-753-8800 ext. 8105.
  • Driver-Zed. Teen drivers are often unprepared for risky driving situations. Driver-Zed is an interactive DVD that prepares teens for identifying and responding to real-world risks from the safety of their computer. It costs $24.95. For more information, call AAA Colorado at 303-753-8800 ext. 8105.

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