Give your newly licensed teen driver a few safety rules to follow whenever he hits the road, so you can feel secure turning over the keys.
Keep the invite list short.
Driving alone—or with an adult—is your teen’s safest option, since it helps him stay focused on the road. If he rides with another teen driver, ask him to wear a seat belt, respect and avoid distracting the driver, and help navigate if needed.
Drive during the day.
Have your teen limit her trips to daytime hours (no earlier than 5 a.m. and no later than 10 p.m.), when it's easier to see and judge distance and speed, and when there are fewer impaired and unsafe drivers on the road.
Buckle up.
Seat belts saved nearly 13,000 lives in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, teens and young adults (16 to 24 years old) are the least likely of any age group to buckle up. Make sure your teen wears his at all times, and set a good example by always wearing yours.
Don’t drink.
Drinking and driving is not only illegal, it’s unsafe. Consider helping your teen come up with a response she’s comfortable giving when she turns down alcohol.
For more teen driving safety tips, visit our Teen Driving section or the NHTSA site.
The information in this blog may vary based on your particular state or situation. Always refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverages.