Teens and young adults face a higher risk of being involved in road crashes than any other age group under 75. In fact, road crashes are the third-leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24.  

Why are young drivers more vulnerable on the road?

• Peer Influence: Friends can sometimes encourage risky driving behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence, putting everyone in the car (and on the streets) at greater risk.
• Brain Development: The brain continues to develop until about age 25. An underdeveloped brain can impact judgment, decision-making, and impulse control, leading to risky driving behavior.
• Distracted Driving: Young drivers are more likely to be distracted behind the wheel, often due to inexperience and a tendency to overestimate their ability to multitask.
• Limited Driving Experience: With less time on the road, young people may not fully understand road rules or know how to handle dangerous situations. This lack of experience can make it harder to control a vehicle safely in challenging conditions.

Understanding these risks is the first step in promoting safer driving habits among youth. Together, we can work to reduce accidents and save lives on the road.

A Quick Guide for Teens: How to Stay Focused on the Road

1. Put Your Phone Away: Silence notifications and set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. This helps you resist the urge to check messages or social media.
2. Limit Passenger Distractions: Set ground rules, ask friends to keep conversations and music at a reasonable volume. Don’t do things that take your eyes off the road.
3. Plan Your Route: Know where you’re going or put the destination into your GPS before you start driving. If you need to check directions, pull over safely.
4. Adjust Your Car Before You Go: Check mirrors and seat position, make sure everything is set for your comfort before you hit the road. Choose your music station or playlist before you start driving, so you don’t need to fumble with controls while on the move. Make sure you remove all snow or frost on the windows before heading out – seeing the road is important!
5. Stay Alert: Make sure you’re well-rested before driving. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Avoid eating while driving as it can take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.
6. Focus on the Road: Scan your surroundings and regularly check your mirrors. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Be aware of what’s happening ahead and around you to give you time to react to any potential dangers.
7. Keep Calm: Don’t rush, leave early to avoid feeling pressured to speed or take risks. Driving calmly helps you stay in control. If you start to feel stressed, take deep breaths to maintain your focus and composure.

By following these tips, you can stay focused on the road and make every drive a safe one.

Remember, there’s a lot on the line: your life and the lives of others depend on it!

Tips for Parents: How to Talk to Teens About Driving Safely

1. Start the Conversation Early

   • Begin Before They Get Their License: Talk about driving safety well before your teen starts driving. Discuss what responsible driving looks like, including the importance of seatbelts, following traffic laws, and avoiding distractions.
   • Use Everyday Moments: Use situations on the road, news stories, or even scenes from movies as conversation starters.

2. Set Clear Expectations

   • Establish Rules: Clearly outline your expectations for safe driving, such as no texting, always wearing a seatbelt, and following the speed limit.
   • Create a Driving Agreement: Consider creating a written agreement that includes rules and consequences. This can help reinforce the seriousness of driving safely.

3. Lead by Example

   • Model Good Behavior: Teens learn by watching you. Always wear your seatbelt, follow traffic laws, and avoid distractions when you’re driving.
   • Acknowledge Your Mistakes: If you make a driving error, discuss it openly and explain what you should have done differently.

4. Discuss the Risks

   • Talk About Consequences: Be honest about the potential consequences of unsafe driving, including accidents, injuries, legal trouble, and even fatalities.
   • Share Real Stories: If appropriate, share stories from your own life or the experiences of others to illustrate the risks.

5. Practice Together

   • Supervised Driving: Spend ample time driving with your teen under various conditions (nighttime, bad weather, heavy traffic). This gives you the opportunity to provide guidance and build their confidence.
   • Discuss Afterward: After driving together, review what went well and what could be improved. Keep the conversation constructive and supportive.

6. Talk About Peer Pressure

   • Discuss the Influence of Friends: Talk about how peers can affect your teen’s driving decisions, like speeding or skipping seatbelts. Encourage them to prioritize safety over fitting in.
   • Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice how to say no to risky behaviors or to speak up if they feel uncomfortable with someone else’s driving.

7. Focus on the Positives

   • Acknowledge Safe Driving: Praise your teen when they make smart driving decisions. Positive reinforcement can be more effective than constant warnings.
   • Incentivize Safety: Consider offering incentives for good driving habits, like contributing to car insurance or allowing more driving privileges.

8. Stay Involved

   • Monitor Driving Habits: Consider using apps or tools that monitor driving behavior, such as speed, braking, and phone usage. Discuss the results regularly.
   • Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage your teen to come to you with any concerns or questions about driving, without fear of punishment.

9. Discuss Impaired Driving

   • Talk About Alcohol and Drugs: Make sure your teen understands the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even some medications.
   • Plan for Safe Rides: Encourage your teen to call you or use a ride-sharing service if they ever find themselves in a situation where they can’t drive safely.

10. Be Patient and Supportive

    • Understand the Learning Curve: Learning to drive is stressful for teens. Be patient, and provide constructive feedback rather than criticism.
    • Reassure Them: Let your teen know that you trust them and are confident in their ability to become a responsible driver.

You can help your teen develop safe driving habits that will last a lifetime. Open, honest, and ongoing conversations are key to keeping them safe on the road.

Remember, there’s a lot on the line: the life of your teen and the lives of others depend on it!