In 2016, nearly one out of five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking alcohol—despite the fact that it’s illegal everywhere in America to drink if you’re under 21. Make it clear that driving impaired by any substance—alcohol or drugs—is deadly and against the law.

2. BUCKLE UP 

Roughly half of those 16 to 20 years old who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016 weren’t wearing seat belts. In 85 percent of the cases when the teen driver wasn’t wearing a seat belt, their passengers were not wearing seat belts either. Tell your teen driver they must buckle up, every ride, every time.

3. NO DISTRACTIONS 

About 10 percent of all teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crash. Explain the dangers of driving distracted by phones and texting or anything else, and that driving attentively is essential for safe driving.

4. NO SPEEDING 

Speeding was a factor in about one-third of all fatal teen driver crashes. Faster speeds rob inexperienced teen drivers of the extra reaction time they may need to avoid a crash. Emphasize that they must obey posted speed limits.

5. PASSENGERS 

Passengers can serve as another distraction for inexperienced teen drivers. That's why many States’ graduated driver licensing (GDL) restrictions prohibit any passengers in vehicles with teen drivers. GDL laws also set other limits on teen drivers for safety.

6. DROWSY DRIVING 

Between school, sports, activities, and part-time jobs, a teen’s schedule can cut into much needed sleep, which can lead to drowsy driving. People are most likely to feel drowsy between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m., which is generally when teens are driving home from school. Explain the dangers of driving drowsy before your teen driver takes the wheel.

SET THE EXAMPLE 

As your teen's role model, show that you obey the rules of the road. If you’re not, your teen may adopt your behaviors when on the road. Assess how you’re driving and think about what your driving communicates to your teen driver.

Teen Driver Safety Week is a great reminder to discuss safe driving as a family. Keep the conversation going year-round. If you do, you’ll not only better protect your young driver, you’ll be contributing to safer roads in your community. For even more information, visit the NHTSA Teen Driver page to learn how we can all work together to make our roads -- and our teen drivers -- safer.

Source: NSTA