How to Make Sure Your Teen Drives Safely

Driving is an exciting milestone for teens but comes with serious risks. Inexperience, distractions, and reckless behavior make motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death among U.S. teens, claiming nearly 2,800 lives in 2020. These alarming facts highlight the importance of prioritizing road safety for young drivers.

As a parent, you play an essential role in shaping your teen’s driving habits. Programs like graduated licensing, defensive driving courses, and technology such as monitoring apps can reduce risks and promote safer driving.

Use the following strategies to help your teen drive more confidently and responsibly. If your teen is involved in a crash, speak with our Syracuse car accident lawyers for experienced legal guidance.

The Importance of Graduated Driver Licensing for Teens

New York’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system helps teens gain driving experience behind the wheel in a safe and supervised manner. The system gradually introduces driving privileges in stages, which typically include:

• Junior Learner Permit (Class DJ or MJ): The first step in the program is obtaining this permit, which allows teens to drive only under the supervision of a licensed adult driver aged 21 or older. Restrictions include no unsupervised driving and limitations on night driving and passengers.
• Junior Driver License (Class DJ or MJ): This intermediate license permits unsupervised driving in Upstate New York between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Nighttime driving from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is limited to work or school-related travel with proper documentation or requires supervision by a licensed adult aged 21 or older. Only one passenger under 21 is permitted unless they are immediate family members.
• Full Driver License (Class D or M): The final stage provides full driving privileges, allowing unrestricted driving statewide, including New York City. It becomes available at age 18 or 17 for those who complete a state-approved driver education course.

Encourage your teen to embrace the GDL requirements. Supervised practice during the learner’s permit stage offers valuable experience and lets them correct unsafe habits early, helping them build confidence and responsibility before driving solo.

Defensive Driving Courses: What Parents Need to Know

Defensive driving courses are another great way to help teens develop essential skills for staying safe on the road. These programs teach new drivers to anticipate and respond to hazards like reckless drivers, bad weather, or sudden stops.

Here’s how your teen can benefit from a defensive driving course:

• Improved Reaction Skills: Teens are taught practical strategies to manage critical situations, such as controlling a skid on icy roads, recovering from hydroplaning, or safely responding to a tire blowout. These hands-on lessons can improve their ability to react calmly and confidently under pressure.
• Hazard Recognition: Students learn to identify potential dangers, such as aggressive drivers, construction zones, or erratic pedestrian behavior. With this awareness, they’re better prepared to make smart, safe decisions behind the wheel.
• Insurance Discounts: Completing a DMV-approved defensive driving course means that young drivers can benefit from a reduction of up to four points on their driving record and a 10% discount on auto insurance premiums for three years.  This can offset the cost of the program while encouraging safer driving habits.

Look for programs approved by the New York DMV, like the one offered by the National Traffic Safety Institute or the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. These programs, known as the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), must provide 320 minutes of instruction covering essential topics such as driver behavior, defensive driving techniques, and traffic laws.

DMV-approved programs often combine classroom lessons with practical simulations, providing new drivers with a thorough and engaging learning experience.

Monitoring Your Teen’s Driving With Technology

Enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course is an excellent first step, but ensuring their safety goes beyond the classroom. Modern technology offers powerful tools to monitor and improve your teen’s driving habits. GPS apps, in-car trackers, and phone restriction tools allow parents to stay informed and guide teens toward safer practices behind the wheel.

Some of the most popular apps and tools to consider include:

• Life360: This tool tracks speed, real-time location, and phone activity while driving. It sends alerts for unsafe actions like texting, hard braking, or speeding. The app also includes crash detection and emergency response features, offering a great way to monitor your teen’s road safety.
• DriveSafe.ly: DriveSafe.ly helps prevent distracted driving by reading incoming texts and emails aloud so your teen can stay focused on the road without checking their phone.
• TrueMotion Family: Feedback is key to helping your teen adopt safer driving habits. TrueMotion Family monitors behaviors like speed, phone use, and braking, assigning a safety score for each trip. It identifies areas for improvement and lets families compare scores, fostering accountability and encouraging discussions about responsible driving.

The Role of Parental Involvement in Teen Driving Safety

Teens often learn by watching, meaning your own driving habits will be a powerful influence. Set a strong example by following speed limits, wearing a seatbelt, and staying focused on the road. Active involvement reinforces these behaviors and helps your teen develop safe driving habits.

Regular conversations about road safety are also important. Make sure to:

• Set Clear Rules: Create a written agreement outlining expectations, such as no texting while driving, always wearing a seatbelt, and adhering to curfews. Discuss rewards for following rules and consequences for breaking them.
• Practice Together: Supervised driving lets you observe your teen’s skills, provide constructive feedback, and address mistakes immediately.
• Talk Regularly: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their experiences, address concerns, and reinforce the importance of safe driving.

Encouraging open communication promotes a trusting relationship and shows your teen that their safety is your priority.

What to Do After a Teen Driving Accident

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your teen is involved in a crash, you need to understand your rights and seek legal guidance. Car accidents involving teens can raise unique challenges, from questions about liability to managing insurance claims.

At Catalano Law, our experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers understand the nuances of teen driving accidents and can protect your family’s rights. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us help you.