14 Jan Teen Driving Awareness Month
Did you know that January is Teen Driving Awareness Month? This “month” was created to educate parents, adults and teens about teen driver safety and raise awareness about the staggering driving rates that teens are a part of yearly. Although every month should be used to raise awareness for safe driving, becoming aware of teen driving statistics and raising awareness about them helps bring new solutions forward to lower the number of injuries and fatalities on the road involving teen drivers. This is especially important if you have a teen driver at home. Keep reading below to learn more about the statistics involving teens behind the wheel and what you can do to ensure that all teens stay safe while on the road.
Teen Driving Statistics
- 11 teens die every day as a result of texting and driving
- Only 61% of teens wore their seat belts in 2015
- 3 million automobile accidents a year involve drivers 19 and younger
- 1/4 of teen accidents involve underage drinking
- 56% of teens admit to talking on their phone while driving
- 13% admit to texting and driving
- Teens with passengers face an increased risk of injury or death because passengers can create distractions, making it harder for inexperienced drivers to concentrate on the road
- Common causes in teen car accidents include: inexperience, distractions, speeding, texting, and drinking
Keeping Teen Drivers Safe
It may seem impossible to keep your child safe once they have driven off for the first time, but taking the right steps and continually promoting safe driving habits will help show your teen the right decisions to make when on the road. Read further for a few steps to take to help guide your teen to safe driving.
Pick a safe car
Your teen should always be driving the vehicle they know and are most comfortable with. This vehicle should also be easy to drive and offer the protection needed in the case that an accident happens. First-time drivers should avoid sporty vehicles that promote fast driving or vehicles that are prone to rolling over.
Enroll Your Teen in Additional Driving Programs
These programs can be extremely beneficial for those who don’t feel completely comfortable hitting the road on their own yet. These programs can be found through schools or through your insurance company. Insurance companies may also provide discounts or incentives if your child completes the program, gaining more skills towards becoming a safe driver.
Set Expectations
Communicate with your teen about safe driving habits and how you expect them to handle themselves while driving a vehicle. Set expectations so they know that they shouldn’t be on their phone while driving or be distracted by anything else (friends in the car, radio, etc.). Make sure they know to buckle up every time they start the car and that they’re accountable for their passenger to buckle up too! If the expectations you set are not met, make sure there are consequences, so your teenager knows that you’re not joking about keeping them safe.
Be a Good Role Model
While you’re driving with your teen in the car, make sure to obey all rules that you expect your teen to follow while driving. Rules can include using the cell phone, wearing seat belts, speed limits, and more. Doing this will show your teen that driving rules are there for a reason: to keep them safe!
To find out more, contact one of our talented Risk Advisors today!
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