Obtaining a driver’s license is a milestone of independence for teens. However, for parents, it can also be a source of concern. Every parent worries about their teen’s safety on the road, and with good reason. In Las Vegas, teens have the highest accident rate among all driver groups, and car accidents are the leading cause of death for young individuals aged 15 to 20.

Establishing Household Rules for Teen Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is crucial for parents to set rules specifically for teen drivers. While federal and state driving rules apply to adults, teens require additional limitations. The NHTSA recommends five rules as part of a parent-teen driving agreement to ensure your teen’s safety:

Prohibit cell phone usage.

1.Distracted driving is a major contributing factor to car accidents in Nevada. For teens who are still learning the rules of the road and honing their driving skills, distractions can be especially dangerous. Ensure that your teens do not use mobile devices while driving. Consider implementing a complete ban on mobile phone usage, including hands-free devices. Some studies suggest that even hands-free devices can be distracting while driving.

Establish passenger rules.

2.Research indicates that when teens have other teen passengers in the car, the likelihood of an accident increases. Consider implementing a rule that prohibits your teen from driving friends in their car. Doing so simply adds unnecessary risk. However, having an adult in the car can actually promote safer driving behavior among teens. Therefore, your passenger rules may not apply to adult friends and family members.

Enforce a speed limit.

3.Speeding raises the risk of your teen being involved in a car accident, including more severe or fatal ones. Driving at excessive speeds reduces the time available for crash avoidance maneuvers. Speeding also increases the likelihood of intersection collisions, single-vehicle accidents, and other types of crashes.

Prohibit alcohol consumption.

4.While most parents prefer not to think about their teens engaging in underage drinking, statistics indicate that three-fourths of teens will try alcohol before graduating from high school, and one in ten high school students drink and drive. Encourage your teen to contact you, a friend, or a family member if they need a sober ride home. Make it clear that they won’t get in trouble for reaching out if they have been drinking and require a safe way to return home.

Enforce seat belt usage.

5.Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries. Seat belts keep teens inside the vehicle during an accident, reducing the risk of severe personal injury or even wrongful death. Ensure that your teen understands the importance of wearing a seatbelt every time they get into a car, even for short trips.

To promote teen driving safety, consider not only establishing a new driver agreement but also putting it in writing. Have a conversation with your teen about the consequences and punishments for disregarding the rules.