Welcoming Your New Driver

Driving entails risks and responsibilities for the new driver, but the consequences of your teen's decisions can extend to your entire family.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. Per miles driven, the crash rate for teens 16 to 19 is four times higher than for adults. This crash risk is even higher during the first year a teenager is eligible to drive.

Often, teens become the family chauffeur. That means younger siblings are also at this higher risk of injury as passengers in "teen" crashes. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that nearly two of every three people killed in teen-driver crashes are people other than the teen driver.

As the parent of a new driver, you take on new legal and financial liability. If your teen is involved in a crash, you may bear the cost of damages, medical expenses, legal counsel, repair costs, fines, and increased insurance premiums. Further, if your teen injures or kills a pedestrian or another motorist, the emotional and legal consequences will be overwhelming for everyone concerned.

Driver education is a good start, but it is not enough. Supplement formal driving classes/in-car sessions by sharing your experience and knowledge.

Just a handful of good habits can make a life-or-death difference.

Your personal example and encouragement can help your teen learn to consistently:

• successfully perceive events in the driving scene;
• make good decisions based on driver perceptions;
• take safe and effective action to prevent potential conflicts and collisions;
• drive the speed limit;
• maintain safe following distance;
• wear safety belts.

It is imperative that you make it clear to your teen that it is never acceptable to drive when impaired by alcohol, other drugs, anger, or fatigue.

What's the strongest way to deliver that message?

Lead by Example.

Next: Parents as Co-Pilots