7 Lessons Parents Must Teach Their Teen Drivers

As a personal injury attorney, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers. With their lack of experience and tendency toward risky behaviors, teens have an almost four times greater risk of being involved in accidents on the road than those 20 and older, per mile driven. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Additionally, studies have shown that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents during their first year of driving than at any other time. The combination of inexperience, immaturity, and risk-taking tendencies makes teen drivers particularly vulnerable on the road,

And while the thought of your teen driver hitting the road solo may evoke anxiety (for good reason!), with proper guidance and preparation, they can indeed become safe and responsible drivers. As parents, it’s our responsibility to equip our teens with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the roadways safely. In this blog article, I’ll discuss the seven most important things that parents need to teach their teen drivers to ensure their safety on the road. By prioritizing these key lessons, parents can help their teens develop the skills and habits necessary to navigate the roadways safely and minimize the risk of accidents.

#1. Semi Blind Spots

Understanding semi-truck blind spots is important for all drivers, but it’s especially critical for young and inexperienced drivers who are just starting to navigate the road. All cars and trucks have blind spots; however, semi-trucks have large blind spots, on all sides of the vehicle where the driver’s view is obstructed, also referred to as “no-zones.” These blind spots extend 30 feet behind the truck and 20 feet in front on the passenger’s side. A semi’s blind spot on the passenger’s side is so large that up to three entire lanes can fit in a semi’s blind spot on the right side. Hence, why it is so important that parents teach their teen drivers about semi-blind spots.

Stay Out of a Big Truck’s Blind Spot

It is very easy for a car to go unnoticed in a semi-blind spot, which can result in horrific crashes if the teen driver is not prepared to drive defensively. Without proper knowledge of these blind spots, young drivers may inadvertently place themselves in dangerous situations, such as driving too close to a truck or lingering in its blind spot, where the truck driver cannot see them.

Truck Accident Attorney Tip: Semi Blind Spots

NEVER Pass on the Right Side of a Semi Truck

Teaching kids about semi-truck blind helps new drivers take proactive measures to stay safe. It is important to teach your teen driver to avoid semi-blind spots, if possible. Teach your kids that if they must pass a truck driver, then they should pass on the left side. Drivers who pass semis on the right-side risk a semi driver turning into them.

Give a Big Truck Plenty of Room

By understanding the areas where truck drivers have limited visibility, young drivers can adjust their driving behaviors accordingly. Teens also need to be taught to avoid making sudden lane changes near large trucks, who can’t stop as quickly as car drivers. Overall, an awareness of semi-truck blind spots is important so that young drivers will be able to navigate highways and interstates safely, reducing the risk of accidents.

#2. Do Not Speed

Peer pressure, the desire for thrill-seeking behavior, and overestimation of their driving abilities can all contribute to young drivers deciding to exceed speed limits. Emphasizing the dangers of speeding to teen drivers is important, as statistics show that approximately one in every four fatal collisions involved speeding. Speeding significantly increases the likelihood and severity of accidents, as it reduces the driver’s ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distances, and multiplies the force of impact in the event of a collision, especially for young drivers with less experience avoiding hazards on the roadway. Beyond the potential for devastating consequences, speeding is also illegal and can result in hefty fines, license suspension, and even felony reckless driving charges, depending on the severity of the offense.

Semi Wreck Attorney Tip: Speeding Kills

Driver Monitoring Systems Alert Parents to Speeding Teens

To address the issue of speeding among young drivers, innovative solutions such as driver monitoring systems can be used by parents. Driver monitoring systems use cameras and AI to monitor a vehicle’s speed and provide real-time alerts to both parents and teens when speeding is detected. An Institute for Highway Safety study found that by receiving immediate feedback on their driving behavior with driver monitoring systems, teens are more likely to correct their actions and follow speed limits in the future. Additionally, parents can use these alerts as an opportunity to engage in constructive discussions with their teens about the importance of safe driving practices and the consequences of speeding. Speeding is a very dangerous behavior that teens might not fully understand the possible consequences without parental guidance emphasizing the dangers of speeding and helping to reduce accidents.

 

#3. Dropping Tires off the Edge of the Road

The dangers of teenagers dropping their tires off the road cannot be overstated, as this common occurrence can quickly escalate into a serious accident. When inexperienced drivers veer off the road, they often panic and instinctively overcorrect in an attempt to regain control of the vehicle. However, this sudden reaction can lead to loss of control and result in a crash. It’s crucial to educate teens about the proper response in such situations to prevent accidents. Instead of panicking, teens should be taught to remain calm and composed. Taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to overcorrect, they should gently steer the vehicle back onto the road, maintaining a steady speed. By teaching teens to stay calm and act deliberately, we can help prevent potentially devastating accidents and promote safer driving habits on the road.

Practice Practice Practice!

To prevent crashes caused by tires falling off the edge of the road, teens need plenty of practice to become familiar with the dimensions and handling characteristics of their vehicle. While most states require a minimum of at least 50 hours of practice to obtain a license after they have received their parking permit, I recommend that parents should require their teens complete more than the minimum number of practice hours the state requires. Teens must be fully comfortable with all the controls and mechanics of their vehicle to be safe drivers. It’s essential that they practice until they feel completely at ease behind the wheel, without any nervousness or hesitation. Nervousness while driving can lead to second-guessing and indecision, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, it’s crucial to instill in teen drivers the importance of staying calm and focused while driving, enabling them to react swiftly and effectively to any obstacles they may encounter. By providing ample practice and emphasizing the importance of remaining calm, we can help new teen drivers navigate the roads safely and confidently.

#4. Do NOT Drive Distracted

Teaching teen drivers to avoid distractions could mean the difference between a crash and a near crash. While much attention is often placed on the dangers of using cell phones while driving, there are many other things that can be distracting to a new driver in and outside of the vehicle. In fact, approximately 90% of distracted driving crashes occur because drivers are distracted by something other than a cell phone. These distractions can include:

• Adjusting controls in the vehicle including:
  • Radio
  • A/C
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Headlights
• Eat or drinking
• Putting on makeup
• Moving an object in the car
  • Picking up something the driver dropped
  • Securing pets in the car
• Changing music
• Inattention
  • Daydreaming
  • Thinking of work or school

Regardless of the source, any distraction can significantly worsen a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react to potential dangers. When drivers take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel, even for a split second, they increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries or death. For teen drivers, who are already inexperienced behind the wheel and may not have fully developed their driving skills, distractions can be especially hazardous. Teen drivers lack the experience and muscle memory of older drivers, making it more difficult for them to react quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

Car Accident Attorney Discusses the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Teach Teen Drivers to Plan Ahead

To help kids avoid distractions while driving, parents can provide guidance and set clear expectations from the start. Encourage your teen to focus solely on driving and avoid engaging in any activities that may divert their attention away from the road. Remind them to finish any snacks or meals before getting behind the wheel. Have teens set their alarm earlier in the morning so that they have more time to do any grooming or putting on makeup before they have to leave for school, so they don’t feel the need to put on makeup in the car. Tell your child to make a playlist of songs they will want to listen to in the car before they start driving. Have them just let the music play instead of messing with any radio or phone controls while driving so that they minimize any music-related distractions. Model safe driving behaviors yourself and reinforce the importance of staying focused while operating a vehicle. By teaching these habits early on, parents can help their kids become safer and more responsible drivers.

#5. ALWAYS Wear Your Seat Belt

Ensuring that your teen driver wears a seatbelt is crucial for their safety on the road. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a collision by preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle and by distributing the forces of a crash across the strongest parts of the body.  As parents, it’s essential to set strong rules and expectations regarding seatbelt use and to enforce consequences if those rules are not followed. Despite the clear safety benefits of seatbelt use, statistics show that teens are less likely to wear seat belts compared to other age groups, even though they are involved in more crashes. Parents must communicate the importance of wearing seat belts to their teen drivers and make it clear that seatbelt use is non-negotiable.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt has Consequences

Also, make sure to tell new drivers that seat belts are required by law in 49 states. Teens who don’t wear their seat belt are subject to fines in most states, along with points added to their license. Research also shows wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing people can do in the event of a crash. For their young driver’s safety, parents must implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding seat belt use. If a teen is caught not wearing a seatbelt, consequences such as losing driving privileges or having the car taken away for a period can help reinforce the importance of seatbelt use.

Beyond consequences and monitoring systems, parents can also lead by example and consistently wear their seat belts whenever they are in the car with their teens. This reinforces the message that seatbelt use is a non-negotiable safety practice for all occupants of the vehicle. Moreover, parents can engage in open and ongoing discussions with their teens about the importance of seatbelt use and the potential consequences of not wearing one.  By prioritizing seatbelt use for new drivers, parents can help instill lifelong habits of safe driving behavior in their teen drivers.

#6. Hands OFF Your Cell Phone

Making sure that teens aren’t on their cell phones while driving is critical for their safety and the safety of others on the road. The dangers of using a cell phone while driving are well-documented, with studies showing that texting while driving is about two times as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Regardless of the dangers, about half of teens admit to texting frequently while driving, highlighting the urgent need for parental intervention to address this risky behavior. Fortunately, parents can take steps to mitigate the risks associated with cell phone use while driving.

Texting and Driving Laws

In 2024, most states have banned texting while driving while many states have banned any cell phone use, specifically for young drivers. For example, in Indiana, drivers under 21 who are found to be using any kind of cell phone on the road, even hands-free, can be subject to fines of up to $500 and four points added to their license. It is important that parents teach their children about the legal consequences of cell phone use on the road.

Cell Phone Blocking Apps

Another effective strategy is to use cell phone blocking apps that prevent teens from accessing their phones while driving. These apps automatically activate a “do not disturb” mode and send automated responses to incoming calls and texts, informing senders that the recipient is driving and cannot respond. Parents can use the Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature or here are some additional apps I recommend for blocking cell phone notifications on the road:

• Drive Mode
• Drive First
• Safety Go
• Zoomsafer
• Live 2 txt
• Drivesmart

Tips for Teens to Avoid Texting and Driving

Make sure that novice drivers set their GPS or navigation system before starting their journey, eliminating the need to adjust it while driving. Furthermore, teens should be reminded that if they must take a call, they should pull over to a safe location before doing so. Parents should also set good examples for their children by not using cell phones while driving. Ensure that you impart to your teen that no text or call is worth dying for. Parents should also educate their teens about the dangers of cell phone use while driving and establish clear expectations and consequences for violating these rules like getting their phone or car taken away for a certain amount of time, not being able to go over to a friend’s house or having them research and then write an essay on the dangers of cell phone use while driving.

#7. Do NOT Allow Teens to Have Passengers

Allowing teenagers to drive with other teen passengers can significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents. New drivers, especially teenagers, are still in the process of developing their driving skills and gaining experience behind the wheel. Having friends in the car can cause distractions that take the driver’s attention off the road and increase the likelihood of accidents. Conversations, laughter, and other activities between passengers can distract the driver and reduce his ability to react to road hazards or unexpected situations.

Unlike adults who tend to drive safer with passengers, teenagers’ driving performance decreases with same age passengers, possibly due to peer pressure or a desire to impress their friends. Studies have shown that seat belts are used less when more teenagers are riding in a car together, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. In fact, with teen drivers in the car with three or more passengers, the risk of being involved in an accident is four times higher than if the teenager was driving alone.

Laws Against Teen Passengers for Novice Drivers

Recognizing the increased risks associated with teenage passengers, some states, such as Indiana, have enacted laws prohibiting drivers under the age of 18, or within six months of receiving their driver’s license, from having any passengers under 21 in their vehicle. Teens who violate these laws by driving with other teen passengers can put themselves at risk of receiving a Class C Misdemeanor. Even in states without such laws, it is recommended for teenagers to drive without passengers for at least the first six months after obtaining a driver’s license to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. It is important that teens get enough practice driving alone before the additional distractions of other teens are added into the mix.

Dawne McKay’s Crash Support Network

On episode 37 of my podcast, After the Crash, I had the opportunity to interview Alana McGuire and Dawne McKay of Crash Support Network. Dawne started Crash Support Network and has dedicated her life to helping crash victims. At age 17, Alana was riding in a car driven by a newly licensed teen driver with six other teenagers in the car when her friend’s decision to speed caused an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a lifelong battle with chronic pain for Alana. Alana’s message to teen drivers is harrowing:

“My biggest message to youth, but not only just youth but anybody out there, is that you’re not invincible even if you think you are. You might think that you’re doing something cool, or it might be fun, but anything can happen to you at any given moment, and your life can change forever in the snap of your fingers. You can go from living your life carefree to being stuck in a wheelchair, living in chronic pain.”

Take Aways for Parents

In conclusion, teaching teens to be safe drivers is of utmost importance, considering the significant risks associated with inexperienced drivers on the road. Without the proper experience and guidance, teens can be particularly vulnerable to the dangers of driving, including distractions, speeding, and other risky behaviors. It is imperative for parents to work closely with their teens, providing instruction, guidance, and plenty of opportunities for practice. Parents must be no-nonsense about safety, setting clear rules and expectations regarding responsible driving habits and enforcing consequences for any violations. By teaching safe driving practices, parents can help their teens develop the skills and habits they need to navigate the road safely and confidently. Together, we can work towards reducing the number of accidents involving teen drivers and ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Was Your Teen Driver Involved in a Collision?

If your teen driver was injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault, we can help. Our experienced Indiana auto accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley, & Faultless can help. Our law firm has financial resources, skilled investigators, accident reconstructionists, and committed attorneys ready to work on your behalf to obtain justice.

We offer a free case consultation, and our Indiana car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We do not get paid until we win your case for you through a settlement or a jury verdict. Craig, Kelley & Faultless is headquartered in Indianapolis and has offices in Indiana and an office in St. Louis. We have attorneys licensed in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Ohio.

About the Author

David W. Craig is a board-certified truck accident lawyer and managing partner as well as one of the founding partners of the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is also recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to  help victims and their families as they navigate through a terrible situation and answers the host of questions that come after a tragic wreck. He is also the host of the podcast, After the Crash where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol on roads regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.

Get a free case review with one of our accident attorneys by 1-800-746-0226, and additional information can be found at www.ckflaw.com.