Teen Driving Safety

Summer break is the perfect time to get a head start on driver’s ed with teenagers. With extra time not dedicated to studies or extracurriculars, parents and teens can spend the summer months learning how to brake and accelerate correctly, as well as how the rules of the road change when you’re the one behind the wheel.  

Since July is National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month, let’s emphasize to these new, young drivers that traffic safety is a shared responsibility for everyone on the road. At Watch For Me OK, we’re dedicated to equipping everyone on the road, from new drivers to seasoned bicyclists to casual pedestrians, with the tools to stay safe. The greatest concern is pedestrians and bicyclists, because the potential for serious injury is so much greater, as opposed to someone inside a vehicle, so talk early and often about how to protect others. Here is some information and data to help ‘drive’ the conversation:  

Awareness is one of the most important facets to keeping our streets safe. Whether it’s a bicyclist making eye contact with drivers before they enter a crosswalk or a driver checking their mirrors and staying aware of their surroundings, the responsibility is on everyone to stay aware.  

According to OHSO data, in 2022, 1463 crashes involving teen drivers occurred. This was 15.6% of all crashes in 2021. Distracted driving includes everything that takes the driver’s focus off the road, from seemingly harmless activities like laughing with fellow passengers to more overt activities like scrolling on their phone or vaping.  

At this point, most student drivers know that distracted driving is dangerous. They know they should stay off their phones but knowing something and doing something can be two different things. Enforce good habits while they’re still in learning mode.  

We’ve compiled a list of tips to help reiterate and signify the importance of staying focused on driving before they’re let loose on the road with learner’s permits and new driver’s licenses.  

1. Talk to your teen 

Talking is the absolute best and easiest way to start ensuring the safety of your teen and everyone else on the road. Start the conversation to make sure that they understand the rules and responsibilities of driving. While road safety is everyone’s responsibility, the person driving the two-ton car bears a larger load than the pedestrian walking their dog crossing the street.  

2. Set a good example 

Lead by example and attempt to cut distractions out of your driving routine. Put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ while driving and leave fiddling with the radio to the person riding shotgun. Student drivers often replicate the behaviors of their teachers, so use this as an opportunity to build safe habits for both yourself and your kid.  

3. Establish consequences 

As your teen driver gets more comfortable with driving outside of driver’s ed lessons, establish smaller-scale punishments for when they slip up and get distracted. Enforcing this rule by confiscating phones or something similar can help reiterate that there are very real consequences to distracted driving, without having to experience the real-life consequences themselves.  

4. Look for Incentives

Many car insurance companies offer some kind of safe driving discount or program focused on teens. From using phone data to track speed and breaking habits to online courses teens can take, there might be a financial incentive built into your policy. Otherwise, look for opportunities to recognize great driving habits, like a kind call out when your teen gives a bicyclist more than the minimum 3 feet of space while passing. 

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting milestone in every teenager’s life, but it is crucial to prepare them for the added responsibilities that come with it. Awareness and precaution can make the difference in keeping everyone else on the road safe.  

Share this blog with the teen drivers in your life and check out our Drivers Page for even more safety rules to help make Central Oklahoma’s roads safer.