Celebrating Teen Driving: January Awareness
Seth Ahrens

Acquiring a driver’s license represents a significant step towards independence for teenagers, a moment filled with both anticipation and concern for parents watching their child drive away for the first time. That's why January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month offers a timely opportunity to celebrate and emphasize the importance of road safety, alongside reviewing your auto insurance policy.

Understanding the Risks for Teen Drivers

Though crash rates have been decreasing, teens still remain a high-risk category on the roads. In 2021, those under 20 accounted for 12.6% of crash-involved drivers but comprised only 5.1% of licensed drivers. Factors like inexperience, distraction, and overconfidence make the initial months of driving particularly perilous.

Nighttime driving introduces additional dangers. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and greater numbers of impaired or distracted drivers make night driving especially dangerous for teens still honing their skills under pressure.

Building Lifesaving Habits

Common teen driving mistakes can often be avoided by developing steady habits:

  • Put the Phone Away. Distracted driving poses a significant threat. Recommend that teens activate “Do Not Disturb” mode or keep their phone out of reach to minimize distractions.
  • Buckle Up Consistently. Seat belt usage is lower among teens compared to adults, yet it halves the risk of serious injury in accidents. Make wearing seat belts a non-negotiable rule for all journeys.
  • Reduce Speed and Maintain Distance. Speeding and tailgating are frequent mistakes among new drivers. Stress the importance of arriving safely over arriving swiftly, as greater distance affords more time to react.
  • Minimize Nighttime and Passenger Driving. Set boundaries for night driving and limit passengers to reduce distractions until more driving experience is gained.

Insurance Considerations

With a teenager acquiring a license, it’s crucial to reassess your auto insurance policy. Usually, adding them to an existing policy is the most economical choice, but it’s essential to ensure coverage aligns with your family's current needs.

Consider the following:

  • Higher liability limits: Offers protection against costs arising from medical or property damage if your teen is at fault.
  • Collision coverage: Covers vehicle repairs following an accident.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Accounts for non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Engage your insurance agent to navigate options, balancing protection with affordability, and explore discounts for good academic performance, driver training, or vehicles equipped with safety features.

A Time for Celebration and Preparation

January isn’t just about raising awareness, but a chance to celebrate your teen’s achievement and gear them up for the adventures ahead. With encouragement, ongoing communication, and the appropriate insurance coverage, you can help cultivate confidence and safe driving habits that will last a lifetime. If you're considering a review of your policy or exploring how best to include your teen driver, reach out to our office today. We're dedicated to ensuring your family enjoys this exciting milestone with peace of mind.