1.

DON’T RELY SOLELY ON DRIVER EDUCATION

High school driver education may be a convenient way to introduce teens to the mechanics of driving, but it doesn’t produce safer drivers on its own. Young people tend to overestimate their skills and underestimate their vulnerabilities. Training and education don’t change these tendencies, and while peers are influential, parents have much more influence than typically is credited to them.

2.

KNOW THE LAW

Become familiar with your state’s restrictions on young drivers, and feel free to set tougher rules.

To review state laws, go to www.iihs.org.

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3.

RESTRICT NIGHT DRIVING

About 2 of 5 young drivers’ fatal crashes occur between 9 pm — 6 am The problem isn’t just that driving in the dark requires more skill behind the wheel. Late outings tend to be recreational, and even teens who usually follow the rules can be easily distracted or encouraged to take risks. Consider setting an early curfew for your teen, even if your state has a later one.

4.

RESTRICT PASSENGERS

Teenage passengers riding in a vehicle with a beginning driver can distract the driver and encourage greater risk-taking. While driving at night with passengers is particularly lethal, many of the fatal crashes involving teen passengers occur during the day. The best policy is to restrict teenage passengers, especially multiple teens, until they have a year or two of driving under their belt.

5.

SUPERVISE PRACTICE DRIVING

Take an active role in helping your teen learn to drive. Plan a series of practice sessions in a variety of situations, including night driving. Give beginners time to work up to challenges like driving in heavy traffic, on freeways, or in snow and rain.

6.

REQUIRE SAFETY BELT USE

Don’t assume that your teen will buckle up when driving alone or out with peers. Insist on belts.

 

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7.

PROHIBIT DRIVING AFTER DRINKING ALCOHOL

Make it clear that it’s illegal and dangerous to drive after drinking alcohol or using any other drugs.

 

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8.

CONSIDER A MONITORING DEVICE

Various types of in-vehicle devices are available to parents who want to monitor their teens’ driving. These systems flag risky behavior such as speeding, sudden braking, abrupt acceleration and nonuse of belts. Research shows a monitoring device can reduce teens’ risks behind the wheel.

 

9.

CHOOSE VEHICLES WITH SAFETY IN MIND

Teens should drive vehicles that reduce their chances of crashing in the first place and then protect them from injury in case they do crash. Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer. Avoid highhorsepower models that might encourage teens to speed. Look for vehicles that have the best safety ratings, side airbags and electronic stability control.

See the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for more information on car safety ratings.

10.

SUPERVISE PRACTICE DRIVING

New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving yourself. Teenagers who have crashes and violations often have parents with similar driving records.

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