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Consumer Tips: How to deal with a teen behind the wheel


Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teens – and a time of anxiety for parents. Nearly 1,700 young drivers (aged 16 to 20) were killed in U.S. crashes in 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

New analysis from the Highway Loss Data Institute found that more teens were driving between 2012 and 2014, reversing a downward trend that began about a decade ago. The analysis links the increase in teen drivers to improvements in the economy and higher teen employment. More teens on the road could mean more worries for parents.

Teens have the highest crash rate of all drivers, and crashes are the leading cause of death for that age group. It’s important for parents to provide teens with the guidance and support they need to become responsible drivers.

The first year with a license is the most dangerous period in a young driver's life. Teach by example to keep your teen safe.

  • Buckle up. Teen drivers have the lowest rate of seat belt use according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2013, only 55 percent of high school students reported always wearing a seat belt when riding with someone else. Wearing a seat belt reduces serious crash-related injuries by about half.
  • Put your cell phone and other distractions away. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 58 percent of teen driver crashes were caused by distractions such as cell phones or passengers.
  • Obey driving laws, practice safety and show you take driving seriously. Studies have shown a reduction in risky driving, traffic violations and crashes among teens whose parents set limits on their initial driving privileges. Consider putting ground rules in place regarding driving hours, destinations and numbers of passengers in the car while your teen driver gains experience behind the wheel – even if your state doesn’t require it.
  • Expose your teen driver to different situations while driving together – night and day, freeways and gravel roads, sunny days and wet weather – to increase their experience.
  • Check out AAA online resources together
    • Driver-Zed – This interactive training tool helps teens recognize how to react in a variety of driving scenarios.
    • TeenDriving.AAA.com – Find state-specific information to help parents and teens navigate the learning-to-drive process.
    • StartSmart Online Parent Session – This two-hour webinar explains the licensing process and demonstrates how to maximize driving practice sessions with your teen.

Insuring your new driver

Talk with your agent about making adjustment to your policies:

  • Consider increasing deductibles. A deductible is the portion you pay out of your own pocket if you have to file a claim. Higher deductibles generally equal lower premium costs.
  • Check for discounts. Ask about discounts for good students or teens who complete safe driving courses. You may also be able to save money by combining your auto and home policies with a single insurer.
  • Choose safety over speed. When shopping for a car for your teen driver, avoid cars with high horsepower. Consider heavier vehicles with electronic stability control, which is mandatory for vehicles since the 2012 model year.   

For more information about auto insurance, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.