Teen Drivers’ Safety – Starting the Conversation
Getting a driver’s license is an exciting milestone for any teenager and a big moment for parents, too. It represents newfound independence, freedom and responsibility. But behind the excitement is an important reality: safe driving takes experience, good judgment and a commitment to making responsible choices every time they get behind the wheel
Parents and caregivers can help by having regular, straightforward conversations about:
- Put the phone away. Texting, notifications and other distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Slow down. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and increases the severity of crashes.
- Buckle up every trip. Seat belts remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury.
- Never drive impaired. Alcohol, cannabis, medications and other substances can affect judgment and reaction time.
- Limit passengers. Additional teen passengers can increase distractions and risk for inexperienced drivers.
- Take nighttime driving seriously. Driving in darkness can be more challenging, particularly for a new driver; this is also true of driving in bad weather.
- Speak up as a passenger. Young passengers can help create a culture where distracted, aggressive or impaired driving isn’t accepted.
Parents Are Part of the Lesson
Young drivers learn not only from formal instruction, but also by watching the adults around them. When parents buckle up, follow speed limits, put their phones away and stay focused behind the wheel, they demonstrate the behavior they expect from their teens. It can also help to establish clear family driving rules and revisit them as a teen gains experience. Here are some conversation-starting questions parents can ask teens as they begin driving. The goal is to make these feel like ongoing conversations rather than a lecture:
About distractions
- What kinds of things do you think are most distracting when you’re driving?
- What will you do if your phone keeps buzzing while you’re behind the wheel?
- How can you make sure your phone isn’t tempting you to look at it?
- What would you say if a friend wanted you to text while you were driving?
About passengers and peer pressure
- What would you do if a friend encouraged you to speed or drive aggressively?
- How will you handle passengers who are being loud or distracting?
- Would you feel comfortable telling a friend to buckle their seat belt?
- What would you do if you didn’t feel safe riding with someone else?
About speeding and risky driving
- Why do you think people speed even when they know it’s dangerous?
- How will you respond if you’re running late and feel tempted to drive faster?
- What does “driving too fast for conditions” mean to you?
- What would make you decide to pull over or slow down?
About impaired driving
- What would you do if someone who had been drinking or using drugs asked you for a ride?
- What should you do if you realize you’re not safe to drive?
- Would you feel comfortable calling me for a ride, even if you were worried you’d be in trouble?
- What can we do as a family to make sure you always have a safe way home?
About difficult situations
- What would you do if you got lost while driving?
- What would you do if your car broke down?
- How would you handle driving in heavy rain, snow or poor visibility?
- What would you do if you were feeling tired while driving?
About building good habits
- What do you think makes someone a good driver?
- What driving habits have you noticed in other people that you don’t want to copy?
- What are you most nervous about as a new driver?
- Is there anything you want more practice with?
- What can I do to help you become a more confident and responsible driver?
One especially important question:
“What should you do if you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel safe driving?” Establishing that expectation before a difficult situation happens can make it easier for teens to ask for help when they need it.
If your family has been affected by a motor vehicle collision involving a young driver, the personal injury team at MDW Law is here to help. We offer complimentary, no-obligation consultations to answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your options.
Contact MDW Law today to speak with a member of our personal injury team.