Celebrating a Milestone: Teen Driving Awareness Month

Obtaining a driver’s license marks a significant milestone in a teenager's life, symbolizing newfound independence and responsibility. For parents, watching their teens drive for the first time is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month serves as a perfect opportunity to celebrate and discuss road safety—as well as insurance policies.

Understanding Teen Driving Risks

Despite a recent decline in overall crash rates, teenagers remain a highly at-risk group when driving. In 2021, drivers under 20 made up 12.6% of crash-involved drivers while accounting for only 5.1% of licensed drivers. Their inexperience, distraction susceptibility, and overconfidence amplify the dangers during the initial months of driving.

Nighttime driving presents additional risks due to reduced visibility, fatigue, and an increased presence of impaired or distracted drivers. Evening hours are particularly challenging for teens as they are still learning to handle stress on the road.

Life-Saving Habits

A number of common mistakes made by teen drivers can be avoided through consistent habits:

Distractions, such as texting or checking social media, are major threats to teen safety. Encourage your teen to use “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving or secure their phone until they reach their destination.

Seatbelt usage among teens is lower than among adults, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death. Make wearing seatbelts a strict rule for everyone in the car, regardless of the trip’s duration.

Speeding and following too closely are common errors. Remind your teen that safety should always take precedence over speed. More distance allows for better reaction time.

Set boundaries for nighttime driving and limit the number of passengers until your teen gains more experience. Fewer distractions help them stay focused.

Considerations for Insurance

Adding a new teen driver provides a good chance to review your auto insurance. Typically, adding them to your policy is cost-effective, but ensure the coverage is adequate for your family’s needs.

Consider reviewing:

• Higher liability limits for medical and property damage costs if your teen is at fault.
• Collision coverage for vehicle repair after accidents.
• Comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents like theft or weather damage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if other drivers lack sufficient insurance.

Your insurance agent can help you find a balance between protection and cost, discussing discounts for good grades, driver training, or cars equipped with safety technology.

Prepare and Celebrate

January isn't just another awareness month—it's a time to recognize your teen's progress and equip them for future driving. Encouragement, clear communication, and appropriate insurance coverage help build responsible driving habits that last a lifetime. If you need to review your current policy or discuss options for your teen, contact our office today. We’re here to ensure that this exciting milestone brings peace of mind for you and your family.