Celebrating Teen Driving Awareness Month

Gaining a driver’s license is a pivotal moment in a teenager’s journey, representing newfound freedom and a significant responsibility. For parents, watching their teen back out of the driveway for the first time is a mix of excitement and apprehension. This makes January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month an ideal time to celebrate and discuss safety — on the road and through your insurance policy.

Understanding the Risks for Teen Drivers

Even with decreasing crash rates, teenagers remain a vulnerable group when driving. In 2021, drivers under the age of 20 were involved in 12.6% of car crashes despite representing only 5.1% of all licensed drivers. Inexperience, distraction, and overconfidence make those initial months hazardous.

Driving at night is even riskier. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and the presence of impaired drivers increase dangers for everyone — particularly for teens still mastering driving under pressure.

Life-Saving Habits

Many common driving errors made by teens can be avoided by adopting a few key habits:

Disconnect from Devices.

Distractions like texting can lead to severe accidents. Encourage your teen to use “Do Not Disturb” or store the phone in the glove compartment until arriving at their destination.

Always Wear Seatbelts.

Teens often buckle up less than adults, even though a seatbelt halves the risk of serious injury or death. Enforce mandatory seatbelt use for all passengers on every trip.

Drive Slow and Keep Distance.

New drivers often speed and tailgate. Remind them that reaching safely is more vital than speed. Extra space affords more reaction time.

Control the Environment.

Set limits on night driving and the number of passengers to reduce distractions, fostering a safer driving atmosphere.

Insurance Considerations

Adding a teen driver is an excellent time to assess your auto insurance. Generally, adding to an existing policy is cost-effective, but ensure it meets your family’s needs.

Review these key areas:

• Higher liability limits: Covers medical expenses or property damage in at-fault accidents.
• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs after accidents.
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-collision events like theft or weather damage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Offers protection if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Consult your insurance agent to evaluate options and potential discounts for good grades, driver training, or safety features.

Celebrate and Prepare This Month

January is more than just an awareness month; it's a time to appreciate your teen's progress and prepare them for the road. By providing encouragement, maintaining open communication, and ensuring suitable insurance coverage, you can help your teen establish confidence and safe driving habits for life.

If you're considering reviewing your auto policy or adding your teen to it, contact us today. We're here to help your family embrace this exciting milestone with peace of mind.