Teen Driving Awareness: A Milestone for Families
January marks an important moment on the calendar: Teen Driving Awareness Month. For many families, a teenager earning their driver's license represents a major step toward independence and new responsibilities. It can feel exciting, emotional, and just a bit nerve‑racking to watch them drive away on their own for the first time. This month offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the milestone while reinforcing safe habits—both behind the wheel and within your insurance coverage.
Why Teen Drivers Face Unique Risks
Even though crash rates overall have improved in recent years, teen drivers remain one of the most vulnerable groups
on the road. In 2021, drivers under the age of 20 made up only 5.1% of all licensed drivers but were involved in 12.6% of total crashes. Those early months involve a steep learning curve, and the mix of inexperience, peer pressure, and occasional overconfidence can significantly increase risk.
Driving after dark magnifies those challenges. Limited visibility, fatigue, and a sharp increase in impaired or distracted drivers all contribute to nighttime being one of the most hazardous times to be on the road. Teens, who are still learning how to respond quickly and calmly in changing conditions, may find these situations especially difficult to navigate.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
While the risks are real, many of the most common teen driving errors can be prevented by reinforcing simple, consistent habits. A few key practices can dramatically improve safety—even for brand‑new drivers.
Put the Phone Away
One quick glance at a text or notification can be enough to change the course of a drive. Distracted driving is one of the leading dangers for teens, making it essential to coach them on minimizing temptation. Encourage your teen to use “Do Not Disturb” mode or place their phone out of reach until they’ve reached their destination.
Buckle Up Every Single Time
Seat belt usage among teenagers remains consistently lower
than among adults, even though wearing one cuts the risk of severe injury or death in half. Make seat belt use a household rule—for the driver and every passenger—no matter how quick the trip may be.
Slow Down and Give Yourself Room
Speeding and following too closely are two of the most common mistakes new drivers make. Patience truly pays off on the road. Reinforce that arriving safely matters far more than arriving quickly, and that a few extra car lengths create valuable time to react when something unexpected happens.
Limit Higher‑Risk Situations
Experience builds confidence, but that experience takes time. Setting boundaries around nighttime driving and limiting passengers during the first months of independent driving can significantly reduce distractions and increase safety. Little by little, your teen can take on more responsibility as their skills improve.
The Insurance Checklist for New Teen Drivers
Along with celebrating your teen’s new driving privileges, this is also an ideal time to revisit your auto insurance coverage. Adding a teen driver to your existing policy is typically the most economical approach, but it’s important to ensure the coverage itself still meets your family’s needs.
Consider reviewing these key areas:
- Higher liability limits: Helps protect your family financially if your teen is responsible for a crash involving injuries or property damage.
- Collision coverage: Covers repair costs for your own vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Protects against events such as theft, vandalism, storms, or other non‑collision losses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Offers protection if someone else causes a crash but lacks sufficient insurance.
Your insurance agent can guide you through each option and help you tailor your coverage to match your family's risk and budget. It’s also the perfect moment to ask about potential savings, including good‑student discounts, approved driving courses, or vehicles with updated safety features.
A Month to Honor Growth and Build Good Habits
Teen Driving Awareness Month isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an invitation to celebrate how far your teen has come while helping them prepare for what lies ahead. The combination of steady guidance, open conversations, and the right insurance protection can set the foundation for safe driving habits that last well into adulthood.
If you’d like help reviewing your auto policy or exploring the best way to add your new driver, our team is here to support you. We’re committed to helping your family enjoy this exciting milestone with confidence and peace of mind.