A Milestone to Recognize: Honoring Teen Driving Awareness Month

Celebrating a Major Moment for Teens and Their Families

For many teenagers, earning a driver’s license marks one of the most meaningful steps toward independence. It represents freedom, responsibility, and a brand-new stage of life. For parents, however, watching their teen drive off for the first time can be both thrilling and nerve‑racking. That’s why Teen Driving Awareness Month each January offers an ideal opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and spark important conversations about safety — on the road and within your insurance coverage.

Why Young Drivers Are More Vulnerable

Even though overall crash numbers have declined over time, teenagers remain one of the nation’s most high‑risk driving groups. In 2021, drivers under age 20 represented 12.6% of all drivers involved in crashes despite making up only 5.1% of licensed drivers. Inexperience, distraction, and the misplaced confidence that often comes with youth can make the first months on the road particularly dangerous.

Driving after dark brings even more challenges. Visibility is reduced, reaction times slow due to fatigue, and the roads tend to have more impaired or distracted drivers. These conditions can be overwhelming for anyone — but especially for teens who are still developing their defensive‑driving skills and learning how to respond calmly in stressful situations.

Simple Safety Habits That Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, many common teen driving mistakes can be avoided with a few consistent habits. Encouraging your teen to stick to these practices can go a long way in keeping them safe:

• Put the phone away. Attempts to read texts, switch songs, or check notifications are among the biggest dangers for young drivers. One quick look down can lead to devastating consequences. Urge your teen to enable “Do Not Disturb” or to store their phone out of reach until they arrive at their destination.
• Buckle up every time. Teen seat belt use remains consistently lower than that of adults, even though seat belts cut the risk of serious injury or death by half. Make seat belt use a strict rule for every person in the car, no exceptions — even for short, familiar trips.
• Drive at a safe speed and create space. New drivers often underestimate how much distance they need to stop or react. Speeding and following too closely are two of the most common teen errors. Remind your teen that arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly.
• Reduce risk whenever possible. Setting boundaries around nighttime driving or limiting how many passengers your teen can transport helps reduce distractions. Giving them time to build confidence and skill before taking on more challenging driving situations can make a meaningful difference.

Don’t Overlook the Insurance Implications

Once your teen gets their license, it’s also the right moment to review your auto insurance. Most families find that adding a teen driver to their existing policy is the most cost‑effective approach. Still, it’s important to confirm that your coverage offers appropriate protection for your household.

As you review your policy, consider focusing on these key areas:

• Higher liability limits: Gives added protection if your teen causes an accident that results in injuries or damage to someone else’s property.
• Collision coverage: Helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a crash, no matter who is at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non‑accident‑related losses such as theft, weather damage, or vandalism.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects your family if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance — or any insurance at all.

Your insurance agent can help you understand your options, balancing strong protection with budget considerations. This is also an ideal time to ask about money‑saving opportunities, including discounts for good grades, safe‑driving programs, or cars equipped with modern safety features.

A Month to Reflect, Celebrate, and Prepare

Teen Driving Awareness Month isn’t simply a reminder — it’s an invitation to recognize how much progress your new driver has already made. It’s also a chance to prepare them for what lies ahead. By offering steady guidance, encouraging open communication, and choosing the right insurance coverage, you can help your teen develop safe driving habits that last far beyond their first year on the road.

If you’d like to revisit your current auto policy or explore options for adding your teen driver, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making sure your family navigates this exciting milestone with confidence and peace of mind.