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- 07/01/2026
9 ways to keep your teen driver safe
Studies have shown that teens show less risky driving behaviors when there is a formal agreement in place
This is one area they don't know *everything* about yet
Nicholas Springer
Helping Your Teen Become a Safer Driver
As parents, we hope our kids will become safe and courteous drivers. But that won't happen on its own. Left to their own devices, teens may put themselves and their passengers in risky situations. In fact, teen drivers crash three times more often than drivers age 20 and older per mile driven, and excess speed is a factor in about one-third of teen fatal crashes.1
While these statistics can be concerning, there are steps you can take as a parent to help your teen become a safer driver. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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 often have a greater impact than they realize.
2. Know the Law
Become familiar with your state's, province's, or territory's restrictions on young drivers, and don't hesitate to establish stricter rules of your own. Review the driver's guide issued by the agency that regulates motor vehicles and driver licensing in your area.3
3. Restrict Night Driving
Approximately 2 out of every 5 fatal crashes involving young drivers occur between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.2 Driving at night requires additional skill, and late-night outings often involve distractions and peer pressure. Consider setting an earlier curfew than the one required by law to help reduce risk.
4. Limit Passengers
Teen passengers can distract beginning drivers and encourage risk-taking behavior. While nighttime driving with passengers is especially dangerous, many fatal crashes involving teen passengers occur during daylight hours as well. Consider limiting the number of teenage passengers your teen can transport until they have gained more driving experience.
5. Supervise Practice Driving
Take an active role in helping your teen learn to drive. Schedule practice sessions in a variety of conditions, including nighttime driving, heavy traffic, highways, and adverse weather such as rain or snow. Gradually increase the level of difficulty as your teen gains confidence and experience.
6. Create a Formal Driving Agreement
Research has shown that teens engage in fewer risky driving behaviors when a formal agreement is in place. Consider creating a written contract that outlines expectations such as:
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Do not text or use a mobile device while driving.
- Obey all speed limits and traffic laws.
- Speak up if another driver is operating a vehicle unsafely.
7. Consider a Monitoring Device
Various in-vehicle monitoring systems allow parents to track driving behaviors such as speeding, sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and seat belt usage. Studies suggest that these devices can help reduce risky driving habits among teens.
8. Choose a Safe Vehicle
Vehicle choice can play a significant role in your teen's safety. Larger, heavier vehicles generally provide better crash protection. Avoid high-horsepower vehicles that may encourage speeding. Instead, look for vehicles with strong crash-test ratings, side-impact airbags, and electronic stability control.
For additional vehicle safety information and crash-test ratings, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
9. Be a Role Model
Even when it seems like they aren't listening, teenagers often pay close attention to their parents' behavior. Practice safe driving habits yourself by obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and always wearing a seat belt. Studies show that teens who are involved in crashes or receive traffic violations often have parents with similar driving records.
