Smart Safety: Teen Driving

Did you know that 55% of teens 18+ believe they would lose driving privileges if they got into an accident, compared to 70% of 15 and 16 year olds? According to a new teen driving study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (students Against Destructive Decisions) this is the case. In fact, high school seniors experience more accidents and near misses (57%) than their younger peers (34% of sophomores), and are more likely to participate in dangerous or distracting activities while driving.

How can parents help prevent dangerous driving as teens become upperclassmen? To learn more, I had a chance to interview Dr. Gene Beresin, Senior Advisor on adolescent psychiatry with SADD and Executive Director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Mass General Hospital.

 You can also check out the infographic here.

1.    Why are older teens more likely to be involved in accidents?

o    While it is natural for teens to gain confidence behind the wheel as they get older and log more driving hours, this age group is more likely to overestimate their competence. Older teens may not make realistic judgements about their abilities. They tend to feel invulnerable and a bit grandiose. In addition, they may test the boundaries as consequences for bad driving behaviors decrease and their freedoms and responsibilities at home increase. This feeling of adulthood may make them feel invincible when in reality they are still inexperienced drivers with a high risk of accidents and close calls on the road.  

2.    How can parents continue to reinforce safe driving habits as their kids get older?

o    Parents are key influencers when it comes to teens’ behaviors behind the wheel – both their current habits and ones they may pick up as they gain experience and confidence. It’s important to engage teens in dialogue about safe driving practices, and use near misses or accidents as learning opportunities, to help shape safe driving habits and change dangerous behaviors. Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD encourage parents and teens to use the Teen Driving Contract as a conversation starter and discussion guide. This tool covers important safety issues and is an easy roadmap for parents and teens alike to uphold family driving rules. In addition, parents are the ultimate role models for their teenagers, and need to be aware of their own safe or unsafe driving practices.

3.    What are some foundational safety skills that all parents need to make sure teens follow?

o    Parents should always encourage safe driving behavior with teens and remind teens to be mindful and recognize when they are distracted; that is the time to pull over safely and complete the task with which you are concerned.