Safe Driving for Teens

By: Dr. Joe Lee, MD

Medical Director of the Grayson County Health Department

The leading cause of death in teenagers is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for 2,500 deaths and 300,000 injuries each year. As a parent, you can help reduce the possibility of your teen being one of these statistics. 

Insisting on Driver’s Education is a good start. Having supervised driver training on the road is an important introduction to learning driving skills. Continuing to have an experienced driver with your teen during those first few months is also helpful. Limiting passengers, especially other teens, is important during the first 6 months of driving.

Nighttime driving is more dangerous, and it should be delayed until they are more experienced. Most fatal accidents are after dark.

It’s the law for everyone in the vehicle to be restrained, but a significant number of drivers, including teens, don’t always wear seatbelts. Be sure your teen understands the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt and that they not leave the driveway till everyone is buckled up.

Distracted driving is a huge issue with teens. In a recent study, at least 20-25% of teen drivers admitted to using their phone to text or email while driving. A high percentage of accidents are related to distracted driving. Phones should be put away while driving. 

Drinking and driving is a very dangerous combination and is against the law.  Any illegal drug use can affect your driving and is equally dangerous and illegal. This is a rule that must be enforced, even if it requires you to take the keys for a period of time. Certain legal medicines that are prescribed for pain, sleep, and even allergies can have a sedative effect and should be avoided before driving as well. 

Driving the speed limit should be the rule for all teens. There’s a reason for speed limits. School zones and downtown areas have more potential for pedestrians walking into the road. High speeds on highways result in worse accidents. Controlling temper on the road is extremely important. Road rage often results in accidents. Ignoring the offending driver is difficult to do, but it is much safer in the long run.

One of the most important things parents can do for their teen drivers is to be a good role model when they are driving. 

- Always wear your seat belt and insist that all passengers wear their seat belts before you start the car.

- Never drink or use drugs before driving.

- Don’t use your cell phone to call or text while driving.

- Don’t speed or respond aggressively to drivers who cut you off. Continue to drive safely. 

Don’t buy your child the cheapest car on the market. Be sure it has working airbags and other safety features to assure they are as safe as possible. It will be money well invested.

Teen driving is a major milestone in your child’s life. While doing so safely is his or her responsibility, your parental guidance is extremely important to help them navigate this road to adulthood. The AAP has a Contract for your teen to sign before beginning this journey. A sample is included below.

parent-teen-driving-agreement.pdf

Download PDF • 1.56MB

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