Shocking Stat: During the first year of licensed driving, one-in-five male and about one-in-ten female 16-year-old drivers will have a crash.
The first year of driving is the most dangerous time for teens when looking at unintentional death rates. The mix of inexperience, lack of practical driving skills and distractions can lead to death. Create a home graduated licensing program for your teen:
* Continue to ride along and coach your teen even after they obtain a license.
* Set a driving curfew (morning and night) to limit “after dark” driving.
* Monitor and limit your teen’s driving during inclement weather.
* Restrict the number of passengers when your teen is driving.
* Talk to your teen — find out what situations or techniques they have trouble with; then take them to a low-traffic location and have them practice with you in the car.
Parent Tip: Look at driving as a sport or activity your teen takes part in. Your teen is not going to be a great soccer player or concert pianist if they only practice for one year. Developing good driving habits and experience behind the wheel should not stop once your teen gets their license.
Parent Tip: Enroll your child into a Defensive Driving course – they are low-cost, will teach life-saving skills behind the wheels and most insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have completed a Defensive Driving course.
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