Teen Driver Safety Guidelines
Every year, thousands of young people die in car crashes on American highways. The leading cause of accidents involving teenagers is driver inexperience, followed by drugs and alcohol.
How can we make our teen drivers safer? The best way to insure against accidents and fatalities is by taking an active role in your child's life. Set specific rules for your teenager to follow and stick to them.
Let's take a look at some teen driver safety tips.
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Be an Example for Your Kids
Teach teens to be responsible drivers!
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10 Teen Driver Safety Tips
Guidelines for Teenage Drivers
Buckle Up!
Always wear a seatbelt every time you get in a car and make sure your passengers wear their seatbelt. It's the law in most states. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of injuries or death in the event of an accident.
No Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol and drugs are illegal and driving under the influence can slow your reaction time and alter your thinking. Don't ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you need to, call a friend or family member to pick you up.
Know the Rules of the Road
Make sure you know the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws and signs. No speeding, tailgating or driving recklessly. Speed kills!
Avoid Distractions
Avoid distractions while driving. This includes playing with the radio, eating, talking or sending text messages on a cell phone, etc. If you need to make a phone call, find a safe area to pull off the road before making the call.
Stay Alert
Don't drive when you are fatigued and sleepy. Falling asleep at the wheel could end in a tragic accident. Always get plenty of sleep before taking a trip or driving long distances.
Drive With Headlights
Driving with your headlights on during daylight hours will help oncoming drivers to see you.
Share the Road
While driving, always be aware of others on the road including motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Be alert to changes in weather and road conditions. Driving in adverse weather may put yourself and others at risk.
Drive a Safe Car
Your vehicle will need routine maintenance to keep it running properly and safely. Check brakes, belts, fluids, hoses, lighting systems, tires, windshield wipers and other safety systems regularly.
Be Prepared
When on the road, pack an emergency roadside assistance kit in the trunk of your car. The kit should contain items such as jumper cables, flashlight, batteries, blanket, and first aid kit. Always be prepared!
National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 20-26, 2013
Did You Know?
Fatalities are more likely to occur when teen drivers have teenage passengers?
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3 Keys to Keeping Your Teen Alive: Lessons for Surviving the First Year of Driving
This book has 25 driving lessons designed to help teens develop safe driving skills and to become responsible drivers. The book can be used with GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) programs.
Bad Weather Can Make Driving Dangerous
Supervise teen drivers until they have more experience driving in bad weather conditions.
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Important Information For Parents and Teen Drivers
Teen Safe Driving - Graduated Driver Licensing Laws
It has been proven that Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) saves teen lives. Each state has a variation of licensing, so you need to check the laws in your own state. To find information on Graduated Driver Licensing Laws in your state, click on the map or choose your state from a drop-down menu. Valuable information for parents and teens.
Under Your Influence: How to protect your teen driver.
This brochure provides suggestions to protect your teenage children learning to drive. Allstate Foundation
The National Safety Council provides information to parents and teen drivers.
10 Tips for Teen Drivers and Their Parents
Consumer Reports list tips for teenage drivers and their parents.
This website provides information about teen drivers to teens, parents, educational workers and supporters.
Teen Drivers - Parents & Teens
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides educational information to parents and teen drivers.
10 Tips for the Parents of Teenage Drivers
Mobil Oil provides tips to help keep your teens safe.
Teenage driving tips are provided by the Department of Public Safety, North Carolina.
Emergency Roadside Assistance Kits
With First Aid Kits
This AAA 70 Piece Explorer Road Assistant Kit is perfect for teen drivers to carry in the car in case of an emergency. The kit includes a heavy duty booster cable, LED flashlight, emergency whistle, work gloves, some utility tools and a Lifeline First Aid Kit.
The Bridgestone and Travel Road safety Kit includes auto tools and first aid supplies in a red fabric carrying case. The items include air compressor, full-size booster cable, tire gauge, rubber flashlight, duct tape, screwdriver, utility knife and other small emergency items. This kit would be great for young drivers.
What's in the News?
News About Teen Drivers
National Teen Driver Safety Week
National Teen Driver safety Week takes place the third week of October every year. Awareness and safe driver tips are suggested for teen drivers and parents.
Teenage Driving Laws Stiffened in Many States
With car crashes being the leading cause of teenage deaths, many states are tightening up their driving laws. More....
Electronics Top Distraction for Teen Drivers
CBS News release from a study conducted by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
New Federal Transportation Laws
States are encouraged to adopt stricter teen driving regulations after the new federal transportation law was passed. From Kaiser Health News.
Speed Kills!
Don't let this happen to someone you love.
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Crash-Proof Your Kids: Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver
Crash-Proof Your kids is a plan to help teach your teens to develop safe driving skills. It's a great educational book with great reviews.
Parents Are the Key to Safe Teen Drivers
Important Information For Parents
Did you know eight teens are killed in car crashes every day? Read about the main causes of car crashes involving teens.
Read the facts and statistics about teen deaths caused by car crashes: who is most at risk, risk factors and how deaths and injuries can be prevented.
Photo Credit: CDC.GOV
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