Teen Driver Safety

An article published by My Dayton Daily News shared results that found Ohio to be the 5th highest in terms of teen driver insurance rates. Essentially, if you add one teen driver to your policy, expect your rates to double.

But, the cost isn’t the only thing parents need to worry about. We’re coming up on Teen Driver Awareness Month (October) and we want to help you keep your teens safe on the road.

[Tweet “About 450,000 teens are injured in car crashes every year. 27,000 are hospitalized. 5,500 lose their life.”]

Teens aren’t necessarily bad drivers, but it doesn’t take much for an accident to occur.

3 Primary Factors of Teen Driver Deaths

In common accidents involving teens, there are 3 primary factors that parents need to be aware of. Read below so you’re prepared to advise your teen:

1. Alcohol: Teens are more likely to be affected by alcohol because of their age and they may not realize their limits because of inexperience. Parents should stress the issues that can occur from drinking, as well as the fact that they should never drink and drive at any point in their life. But, people sometimes do not follow the rules and when that happens they need to be prepared. Parent’s, make sure your teen driver understands how drinking can impair them, especially when driving. Bring awareness to the fact that not only could they harm themselves but they could harm others as well.
2. Seat Belts: Teens should make sure that everyone in the vehicle is always wearing a seat belt, no matter what. Statistically, it’s one of the best ways to prevent an injury or death if involved in an accident. Parents need to make sure that teens understand the risks they take by not wearing a seat belt. Most states require seat belts by law. Let your teen driver know that if they or their passengers choose to not wear their seat belt, that they could receive a ticket.
3. Distractions: While drivers, in general, have to manage distractions, experience plays a key role in how well it is done. Teen drivers lack the experience of different distractions that can occur while driving. Parents, make sure your teen driver understands where distractions can come from and how to manage them. Here is a list of the most common distractions:
   • Passengers
   • Cell Phones – Talking & Texting
   • Eating & Drinking
   • Adjusting the Radio, CD Player, AC/Heat
   • Listening to Music to Loud or Using Headphones

More Facts About Teen Driving

If you’re still having issues with your teen listening and believing in how dangerous driving can be, share these statistics with them:

• The leading cause of death for people ages 16-24 in the United States is from motor vehicle crashes.
• About 1/2 of teen drivers will crash before graduating high school.
• 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. are the deadliest times for teens to be on the road.
• Summer is the deadliest season for teens on the road.

Tips & Facts for Parents

If you are a parent, here are some quick tips:

• Be a passenger. Ride with your teen driver at least 30 minutes a week, especially the first year after your teen is licensed.
• Follow driving laws. Use these laws as a starting point to setting your own rules of the road for your child.
• Lead by example. Model your good driving behavior behind the wheel.
• Keep in mind that 84% of parents and 79% of teens admit to speeding and that more parents than teens use their phones while driving.

Safe Driving Clinic

Toyota is, and has been for over a decade, committed to helping teens stay safe behind the wheel. They have a great program available to teens and parents designed to teach safe driving habits, how to avoid distractions, defensive driving best practices, and even basic car maintenance. The course is a free 2.5 hour safety clinic, and takes place at select Toyota dealerships. For more information on the course, as well as tools & tips, visit their website.

Sources: All State Foundation, MetLife, Toyota

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American Heritage Insurance Group is an independent property and casualty insurance agency offering personal lines insurance, commercial lines insurance for small and medium sized businesses, farm insurance, and several specialty lines. We have offices located in Cincinnati, Milford, and Springfield, Ohio.