“Am I ready for this?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked myself that question over the past year. My oldest daughter, Sophia,
in the car or without purpose. Data shows that car crashes are the leading cause of death for
turned 16 this last month. With that landmark, Soph moved from
American teens ages 15 through 20. And, teens crash at three
“permit driver” to “intermediate driver.” The state of Missouri now
times the rate of more experienced drivers. The risk of injury
allows her to drive without me—or any other adult—over its roads.
resulting from car collisions for teen drivers is especially high
I know I’m not alone in worrying about Soph’s safety. I regularly
between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a period dubbed the “100
speak with high school students about the dangers of distracted
Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers.” Experts believe the following
driving through my firm’s participation in the “End Distracted
factors contribute to these deadliest days:
Driving” program. I haven’t talked to a school yet where a
»» Summer driving tends to be more recreational and not as
teacher, administrator or parent hasn’t approached me after the
purposeful, such as driving to see friends rather than driving
presentation to discuss their concern for the students and children
to school or work
in their lives. So, what must we do as parents to prepare our teens and minimize those risks our sons and daughters will encounter on the road?
First, practice driving with your teen. Driving is a complex task for new and inexperienced drivers, including your teenage son or daughter. Time with your teen while she’s learning the skills necessary to safely drive is absolutely essential. Sit beside her
»» Teen drivers carry friends more often and passengers increase the risk of a fatal crash involving a teen driver by at least 44 percent »» Teens stay out later at night when crash risk surges »» Teen drivers may be tempted to speed with warmer weather and clear conditions No discussion about preparedness would be complete without
while she drives, before and after earning her license, offering
reminding you of the need to properly insure your teen driver.
both constructive criticism and support. Soph hates my criticism,
Your teen is a “permissive user” if she is driving your car with
whether I’m suggesting that she’s driving too fast or taking turns
your permission. However, you should still notify your insurance
too quickly. Yet, my daughter always adjusts her driving.
company when your teen driver receives her instruction permit. Many policies require notice of the teen’s licensure once she will
Second, speak with and model safe driving practices for
be regularly driving as a condition of insurability. Be prepared to
your teen. Prepare for your discussion by inventorying your own
tell your agent or broker which vehicles your teen will be driving
driving habits. Be honest. Ask yourself where you direct your
when you call.
attention when you’re behind the wheel. Remember that you are
The call to your agent is a tough one for most of us. Insuring
the #1 teacher of your children, which means you must set a good
a teen driver can be daunting. However, options do exist that
example. Know that your teen is always watching you when you’re
may save significant money for your family. Some carriers offer
behind the wheel. So, if you’re not already doing so, set a good
discounts for teen drivers who have completed a driver safety
example. Your example will reinforce those safe practices you
course, maintain a certain grade point average (the “Good
discuss with your son or daughter.
Student” discount) or show a commitment to their community by volunteering a particular number of service hours. In these ways,
Also, you must carefully monitor and direct your teen’s
planning ahead and encouraging your teen to work hard in school
driving. In fact, some states require that an adult approve a teen’s
and investing in her neighborhood may benefit your family’s
application for a driving permit. Missouri requires the teen’s parent
bottom line.
or guardian to sign the teen’s application before the teen may
Natalie Bess, a St. Louis-based American Family agent, suggests
obtain either an instruction permit or intermediate license. In this
that it is also beneficial to discuss coverage options available to
way, you determine your teen’s readiness to drive rather than a day
your family before purchasing a vehicle for your child. Bess advises:
on the calendar.
“Often it is significantly cheaper to insure a teen who shares a car with another family member versus assigning a car to them.”
Take an active role in your teen’s development as a driver
Bess also points out that you can save money by purchasing an
and be familiar with her strengths and weaknesses before
older vehicle, especially if property or replacement coverages are
accompanying her to your local driver’s license office.
bypassed because of the vehicle’s age. Finally, Bess says that she
Your participation in your teen’s development as a driver
encourages her clients to call her before a given vehicle model is
doesn’t end at the license office. Before handing over the keys
purchased “so that we can price what options are available before
to the family car, discuss your family’s rules as they relate to
the commitment has been made.”
driving, curfews and your respective responsibilities during those
Sophia earned her Missouri intermediate driver’s license just a
early years when your teen is gaining driving experience. Make
handful of weeks ago. My stomach turns with anticipation every
sure that your teen understands that you will continue to monitor
time I see her get behind the wheel and buckle her seat belt.
her driving. Your message must be that driving is a privilege, a
But, I’m proud. Soph is well prepared to handle herself on the
privilege that is constantly earned through the exercise of diligent
road; she listens to instruction, continually heeds advice and
and safe actions.
remains constantly vigilant and focused on the primary task at
Monitoring becomes essential as your teen gains confidence
hand—driving her car from Point A to Point B. Am I ready for the
and drives around with others in her car. My biggest fear for Sophia
independence provided by her driver’s license? No. But she is, and
involves those situations where she’s driving either with other teens
we will continue to work to make sure that she remains prepared.
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