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The problem: I’m worried my teen driver is driving unsafely.

Have zero tolerance for impaired driving.

Do: If you suspect your teen is using drugs or alcohol and getting behind the wheel, there’s no room for tolerance. Driving privileges need to be taken away, immediately.

Put it in writing.

Do: Talk to your teen driver about driver safety on a regular basis. Before giving them keys to the car, have them sign a , such as the one available on .

Reinforce that for teen drivers, solo is safest.

Do: Restrict your teen driver’s passengers. The fatal crash risk for teen drivers increases incrementally with one, two, and three or more passengers.

Go along for the ride.

Do: Ride with your child regularly to observe their driving habits and safety and give them more hours of driving with supervision.

Set a safe driving example.

Don’t text or talk on the phone while you’re driving. Research shows that texting increases the risk of a crash by at least eight times.

Don’t avoid the issue.

Don’t: Be hands-off! Teens have the highest accident rate of any group of drivers in the U.S., and car crashes are the number one cause of death for young adults ages 15 to 20. Teens who say their parents set rules and monitor their driving are less likely to crash or to drive while intoxicated.

Remind them that driving is a privilege.

Say:
“Driving is a privilege, not a right. Let’s talk about how you can show me that you’re driving safely.”

Don’t pass the buck.

Don’t say: “Great, you have your license! Now I don’t have to drive you around.”

Why this approach to teen driving matters

Your teen is entering the most dangerous years of their driving life. They might have earned their license but they need ongoing supervision and monitoring to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.