A Milestone to Remember: Honoring Teen Driving Awareness Month

Earning a driver’s license is a defining step in a teenager’s life — a moment that represents newfound independence, responsibility, and freedom. For parents, watching their teen drive away for the first time can be both exciting and a little intimidating. That’s why Teen Driving Awareness Month each January offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and talk openly about safety — on the road and within your insurance coverage.

Why Teen Drivers Experience Higher Risks

Even though overall crash rates have improved over the years, teenagers continue to be among the most vulnerable groups behind the wheel. In 2021, drivers younger than 20 made up 12.6% of all crash-involved drivers despite representing only 5.1% of licensed motorists. A mix of limited experience, distractions, and a tendency to feel overly confident makes the early months of driving particularly risky.

Driving at night amplifies those challenges. Reduced visibility, tiredness, and a greater number of impaired or distracted drivers contribute to riskier conditions — and teens, who are still developing their driving instincts, may struggle to respond quickly under pressure.

Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, many of the most frequent mistakes new drivers make can be prevented by practicing a few simple, consistent habits:

• Keep phones out of reach. Distracted driving remains one of the top dangers for teens. A glance at a message or a social media notification can be enough to cause a serious crash. Encourage your teen to use “Do Not Disturb” mode or stash their phone in the glove box until they reach their destination.
• Always buckle up. Seat belt use among teenagers is lower than it is for adults , even though wearing one cuts the likelihood of severe injury or death by half. Make seat belts mandatory for everyone in the vehicle, no exceptions.
• Slow down and create space. Speeding and following too closely are two of the most common errors for new drivers. Remind teens that arriving safely means more than arriving quickly, and that extra distance gives them precious time to react.
• Reduce unnecessary risks. Establish clear expectations around nighttime driving and set limits on the number of passengers your teen can transport until they gain more experience. Fewer distractions allow them to stay focused and build confidence behind the wheel.

Don’t Overlook the Insurance Component

Once your teen earns their license, it’s the right moment to review your auto insurance. Adding them to your existing policy is typically the most cost‑effective choice, but it’s still important to ensure your coverage aligns with your family’s needs.

Here are key areas worth reviewing:

• Higher liability limits: Helps cover medical expenses or property damage if your teen causes a serious accident.
• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash.
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against non-collision events such as storms, theft, or vandalism.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Offers protection if another driver doesn’t carry adequate insurance.

Your insurance professional can guide you through these choices, helping you find the right balance of affordability and protection. This is also the perfect time to explore possible discounts — including incentives for good grades, driver education courses, or vehicles with advanced safety features.

A Time to Celebrate Progress — and Prepare for the Future

Teen Driving Awareness Month isn’t only about acknowledging risks — it’s also a moment to appreciate how far your teen has come while preparing them for what lies ahead. With consistent communication, encouragement, and thoughtful insurance planning, you can help your teen develop safe driving habits that will stay with them for years to come.

If you’d like help reviewing your current auto policy or want to explore options for adding your teen driver, reach out to our office anytime. We’re here to ensure this exciting milestone is met with confidence and peace of mind.