Teen Drivers: January Awareness Month

Obtaining a driver’s license marks a significant step in a youth's journey to adulthood, embodying both freedom and new responsibilities. For parents, this can be a thrilling yet daunting experience as they watch their adolescent take that inaugural solo drive. January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on safety—both on the road and within your insurance policy.

The Risks for Teen Drivers

 

Even though crash rates have reduced in recent years, teenagers still hold a prominent position among high-risk drivers. In 2021, those under 20 years old represented 12.6% of crash-involved drivers but constituted only 5.1% of all licensed drivers. Their lack of experience, coupled with distractions and overconfidence, can turn their early driving months into a perilous period.

Night driving introduces additional perils. Limited visibility, fatigue, and an increased presence of impaired or distracted drivers make evenings especially risky, particularly for teens adapting to stress responses.

Simple Practices that Protect

 

Many typical mistakes made by new teen drivers can be avoided by adopting a few habits:

Ignore the Phone.

Distractions while driving remain a foremost hazard to teen safety. A brief text or peek at social media can lead to grave accidents. Encourage your teen to utilize “Do Not Disturb” on their phone or keep it in the glove compartment until reaching their destination.

Buckle Up Every Trip.

Teen seat belt use is consistently lower than that of adults, despite wearing one reducing serious injury or death risks by half. Ensure it’s a mandatory rule for everyone in the car, regardless of the journey’s length.

Reduce Speed and Increase Distance.

Speeding and tailgating are prevalent mistakes among new drivers. Remind your teenager that safety trumps speed. More distance allows more reaction time.

Manage Risks Effectively.

Set clear limits on nighttime driving and control the number of passengers your teen can transport until they become more experienced. This limits distractions and keeps them attentive.

Stay Informed about Insurance

 

With a teenage driver, it’s wise to re-evaluate your car insurance policy. Adding them to your existing coverage is often the most economical choice—yet it’s crucial to ensure coverage levels align with your family’s needs.

Consider reviewing:

• Higher liability limits to cover potential medical or property costs if your teen causes a significant accident.
• Collision coverage to manage repair costs post-accident.
• Comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents like theft or weather damage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as a precaution against inadequately insured drivers.

Your insurance agent can help balance protection needs with economics and explore discounts for good grades, driver-training courses, or safety-equipped vehicles.

A Time to Celebrate and Prepare

 

January offers more than awareness; it’s a celebration of your teen’s progress while preparing them for future roads. With encouragement, open dialogue, and suitable insurance, you can instill safe driving habits and self-assuredness in your young driver for the long-term.

Interested in reviewing your car insurance or adding your teen to a policy? Contact our office today. We're here to ensure you embrace this exciting phase with confidence and security.