Helping Teen Drivers Become Safe Drivers

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Car crashes are the #1 killer of our nation's teenagers¹. Each year, nearly 5,000 teens are killed in motor vehicle crashes² and nearly 375,000 are injured³.

That's why Allstate is committed to help keep them safe with tools, tips from experts, and information for parents of teen drivers to start that important conversation about teen driver safety.

And talking with your teen about rules of the road may not necessarily be easy, but it is important. As a way to get started, check out Allstate's exclusive Interactive Parent-Teen Driving Contract that outlines teen driver responsibilities and defines consequences you agree on together if they're not met.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws

What more is being done? Graduated Driver Licensing laws are designed to help young drivers transition from novices and, gradually over time gain behind-the-wheel experience and driving skills within lower-risk conditions, to gain full driving privileges. Research studies have shown that strong GDL laws can reduce crash rates among 16 year-old drivers by almost 40%⁴.

To learn more about the laws in your state, click here.

Because GDL laws are not the same in every state, there is current legislation underway intended to change that. The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009 (STANDUP Act) would establish minimum federal requirements for a national Graduated Driver Licensing law to be consistent nationally. To learn more about the STANDUP Act and voice your support here.

Safety First

More quick tips to keep in mind. If you're buying a car for your teen, try to find one with a high safety rating. It can help keep your auto insurance premiums down, and increase your child's safety on the road.

Also, if you believe the Graduated Driver Licensing laws in your state aren't strong enough, here are some suggested rules you might want to use with your teen:

• Discuss when, where, how, and with whom your teen is allowed to drive.
• Limit the number of passengers in the car. Laughter, music, and cell phones can create serious distractions which increase with every additional passenger.
• Establish and enforce a curfew.
• Insist that your driver (and all passengers) wear seat belts at all times. They may not be cool, but seatbelts save lives. (And, in some states, it's the law.)
• Create a no-cell zone. Talking on the phone is a dangerous distraction on the road for drivers of any age. Know the applicable laws in your county or state, as these are changing rapidly and fines can be significant.
• Consider limiting or supervising your teen's driving privileges during accident high-risk times (such as Friday and Saturday nights).
• Set driving-area limits. If your teen wants to travel outside your town or city, require that he or she request your special permission.
• Prohibit driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prohibit riding as a passenger with a driver who's unfit to drive. Encourage your teen to call for a ride home if needed.

Learn more about Allstate's Teen Safe Driving Program.

Find out more about adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy by getting a car insurance quote today (it's easy!). Or, you can always contact your local Allstate agent or give us a call at 1-866-621-6900 to get your quote over the phone.