WASHINGTON—Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 19-25, is an ideal opportunity for parents of young drivers to have honest conversations about safe driving habits and roadway risks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among teens 15-18 years old. In 2023, over 87,000 teen drivers were injured, and 2,611 people were killed in traffic crashes involving a teen driver—including 822 teen drivers themselves.
“Speed, inattention, distractions, cell phone use and passengers in the vehicle all contribute to accidents,” explained John Agee, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s director of casualty claims. “For a teenage driver, dealing with any one or several of these issues is very difficult as a new driver.”
Agee recalled a tragic case involving a 16-year-old driver who took the family’s new car out after school with a friend.
“He was driving too fast and lost control of the vehicle during a turn,” he said. “Sadly, the passenger suffered a severe brain injury and will need around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.”
While the dangers are real, parents can work with their young drivers to reinforce smart habits. Traffic safety experts recommend parents:
- Set clear rules and expectations. Establish boundaries around seat belts, passengers, speeding, phone use and nighttime driving.
- Be a role model. Kids learn from watching their parents—always buckle up, obey speed limits and avoid distractions yourself.
- Address speeding. Explain why speed matters, encourage safe driving in all weather and road conditions, and correct risky behavior.
- Limit distractions. Encourage them to keep music, food and passengers under control. Consider apps or settings that block calls and texts while driving.
- Talk openly about impaired driving. Discuss the laws and dangers of alcohol, drugs and drowsy driving. Make sure they know they can always call for a safe ride.
- Emphasize seat belts. Regularly remind teens why seat belts are important, and that they must be worn while in both the front and back seats every trip, every time, and model the behavior yourself.
- Don’t rely solely on driver’s ed. Take time for practice driving sessions to improve driving skills.
- Check in regularly. Keep conversations going—ask about driving experiences, worries and situations they’ve faced behind the wheel.
Parents also should be familiar with the state’s graduated licensing laws, which are designed to help beginners ease into driving and limit high-risk situations for new drivers. Learn more about GDL laws.
Many auto insurance providers offer incentives, discounts and special programs to encourage good driving habits. VFBMIC offers a Smart Start Program with tips on Virginia driving laws and safe driving habits. New drivers under 18 who successfully complete the course can earn a discount on premiums.
-Virginia Farm Bureau
