EEH: Step-by-step guide to help your teen be a safe driver

When teens are finally old enough to learn how to drive, thinking about them behind the wheel can be scary for their parents, who wonder if they understand the risks and dangers involved.

Teenagers lack the experience and skills of adult drivers. They may drive too fast and get distracted easily, especially if their peers are in the car. They may think they are invincible and take more risks.

As a result, teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes. Half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school and motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. But these accidents are preventable.

Parents play a key role in helping teens stay safe on the road. Take these 10 steps to help teens be safer drivers:

1. Provide enough driving experience. The crash risk is highest during the first year that teen drivers have their license and inexperience is a leading cause. Teens need 30 to 50 hours of supervised driving practice over at least six months. Don't rely solely on a driver's education class. Parents should ride with their teen on different roads, at different times of day and in different weather conditions.
2. Review the rules of the road. Know the laws for new drivers and create a “Parent-Teen Driving Agreement” together or a set of written rules about safe driving practices, such as limiting passengers, abiding by a nighttime curfew and not engaging in risky behaviors. Share the leading causes of teen crashes and injuries. Create consequences for breaking the rules, such as taking away driving privileges or their cell phones.
3. Limit teen passengers. Crash risk goes up when teens drive with other teens in the car. Research shows teen drivers are nearly three times more likely to engage in one or more risky behaviors when driving with teenage peers than when driving alone. Limit one teen passenger in the car for at least the first six months.
4. Set a nighttime curfew. For all ages, fatal crashes are more likely at night, but the risk is higher for teens. Practice nighttime driving with them. Restrict teen driving at night and set a nighttime curfew of 9 or 10 p.m. for at least the first six months.
5. Enforce the seat belt rule. Seat belt use is lowest among teen drivers. Require teens to wear a seat belt on every trip, every time, as it can reduce the risk of being badly injured or dying in a crash by about half. Give reminders from time to time, such as a sticky note in the car.
6. Beware of distracted driving. Distractions increase a teen’s risk of being in a crash. Taking their eyes off the road even for five seconds could cost a life. Prohibit activities that will distract teens while driving, such as talking on a cell phone, texting, applying makeup, eating or changing the radio station.
7. Talk about impaired driving. Teens are more likely than anyone else to be killed in an alcohol-related crash. Explain that driving while impaired is illegal (they could face jail time and other penalties) and it puts lives at risk. Remind them that it’s never safe to ride in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs, and that they can always call for a safe ride home.
8. Promote a good night’s sleep. Young drivers are at high risk for drowsy driving, especially in the early morning or late at night, which causes thousands of crashes every year. Establish a regular bedtime and limit screen time before bed to be sure teens are well rested before getting behind the wheel.
9. Be a good role model. Teens learn from watching their parents, so parents should be consistent in what they tell their teens and their own driving behaviors. Don’t speed. Always wear a seat belt. Never drink or use any drugs before getting behind the wheel.
10. Have regular safety conversations. Parental involvement doesn't end when a teen gets his/her license. Keep the lines of communication open and provide safety reminders. Parents should ride with their teen occasionally to monitor his/her driving skills.

For more information, visit www.eehealth.org/services/children.