A Milestone to Recognize: Honoring Teen Driving Awareness Month

Celebrating a Major Step Toward Independence

For many teenagers, earning a driver’s license is a defining moment—one that represents freedom, responsibility, and a new chapter of growing independence. For parents, though, it can feel like a mix of excitement and anxiety as they watch their teen back out of the driveway for the first time. That’s why January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity to reflect, prepare, and talk openly about safety—both on the road and within your insurance coverage.

Understanding Why Teen Drivers Face Greater Risks

Even though national crash statistics have shown improvement over time, teens remain among the most at‑risk groups on the road. In 2021, drivers under age 20 made up just 5.1% of licensed motorists, yet accounted for 12.6% of all drivers involved in crashes. Inexperience, distractions, and a tendency to overestimate their skills can make the earliest months of driving especially challenging.

Driving at night increases those risks. Reduced visibility, tired drivers, and a higher likelihood of encountering impaired or distracted motorists make evening hours more dangerous for everyone—but especially for young, inexperienced drivers still learning how to react in unpredictable situations.

Simple Safety Habits That Make a Huge Difference

Fortunately, many of the most common driving mistakes teens make can be prevented with a handful of small, consistent habits. Encouraging these routines early can help build lifelong safe-driving behaviors.

Put the Phone Away

Distracted driving remains one of the biggest hazards for teens. A quick glance at a text message or notification can be enough to cause a serious accident. Encourage your teen to activate “Do Not Disturb” while driving or store their phone out of reach—such as in the glove compartment—until they arrive safely.

Buckle Up Every Time

Seat belt usage among teens is consistently lower than adult usage, yet wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of severe injury or death by half. Make wearing one a non-negotiable rule for everyone in the vehicle, regardless of distance or destination.

Slow Down and Keep Your Distance

Speeding and following too closely are two of the most frequent errors new drivers make. Remind your teen that getting somewhere safely is far more important than shaving a few minutes off their travel time. Leaving extra space between vehicles gives them more time to make smart decisions and react to sudden changes.

Minimize Risk When Possible

Setting clear expectations—such as limiting nighttime driving or reducing the number of passengers—can help teens stay focused behind the wheel. Fewer distractions often translate to better judgment and safer driving habits.

The Insurance Side of Teen Driving

Once your teen becomes a licensed driver, it’s also the right moment to review your auto insurance policy. Adding your teen to your existing coverage tends to be the most cost-effective approach, but it’s important to make sure your policy still fits your family’s needs.

Key areas to revisit include:

• Higher liability limits: Offers protection if your teen is responsible for an accident that causes injuries or property damage.
• Collision coverage: Helps pay for repairs if your vehicle is damaged in a crash.
• Comprehensive coverage: Provides protection from events like theft, vandalism, animal collisions, or severe weather.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Ensures your family is protected if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

Your insurance agent can walk through these coverages with you, helping you strike the right balance between affordability and protection. This is also the perfect time to ask about possible savings—such as discounts for strong academic performance, completion of driver‑training programs, or vehicles equipped with advanced safety features.

January: A Time to Celebrate Progress and Prepare for the Future

Teen Driving Awareness Month serves as more than a reminder—it’s a chance to celebrate the progress your teen has made while giving them the tools to stay safe on the road ahead. With open communication, encouragement, and the right insurance strategy, you can help your young driver develop confidence and habits that will benefit them for years to come.

If you’d like to review your current auto policy or discuss adding a newly licensed driver to your coverage, our team is here to help. Reach out anytime—we’re committed to helping your family enjoy this exciting milestone with confidence and peace of mind.