A Milestone to Honor: Recognizing Teen Driving Awareness Month

Beau Elkins

Earning a driver’s license is a defining moment for teenagers—a gateway to greater freedom and a new level of personal responsibility. For parents, watching their child take the wheel for the first time brings a mix of excitement, pride, and understandable concern. That’s why January’s Teen Driving Awareness Month serves as an ideal moment to reflect on this transition, celebrate the progress, and reinforce crucial safety habits—both on the road and within your auto insurance coverage.

Why Teen Drivers Tend to Face Greater Risks

Even as overall motor vehicle crashes decline, teen drivers continue to represent one of the most vulnerable populations behind the wheel. In 2021, drivers under age 20 made up only 5.1% of licensed drivers but accounted for 12.6% of all crash-involved motorists. Limited experience, multitasking temptations, and the confidence that often comes with youth can create real challenges during those first months of solo driving.

Nighttime driving adds even more complexity. Reduced visibility, drowsiness, and an increased presence of impaired or distracted drivers can make evening travel more dangerous. For teens who are still developing their driving instincts, these conditions magnify the difficulty of reacting quickly and staying aware of their surroundings.

Daily Habits That Help Keep Teens Safe

The encouraging news is that many common teen driving errors can be prevented by building simple, consistent habits. A few adjustments can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a crash and help your teen develop safer long-term behavior.

Put the Phone Away

Few behaviors are more hazardous than texting behind the wheel. A moment spent checking a notification or scrolling social media can easily lead to a dangerous situation. Encourage your teen to activate “Do Not Disturb” mode before driving or store their phone somewhere out of reach—such as a backpack or glove compartment—until they arrive at their destination.

Always Buckle Up

Seat belt use among teenagers remains lower than that of adults , despite the fact that buckling up can cut the risk of severe injury or death by 50%. Make wearing a seat belt an absolute requirement for everyone in the vehicle, regardless of how short the trip may be.

Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance

Speeding and tailgating are two of the most frequent mistakes new drivers make. Remind your teen that safety should always take priority over getting somewhere quickly. Leaving extra room between vehicles gives them more time to react—especially in unpredictable situations.

Proactively Manage Higher-Risk Situations

Establishing guidelines can help your teen ease into their new responsibilities. Setting limits for nighttime driving or restricting the number of passengers—at least temporarily—can reduce distractions and help them stay focused. As their skills grow, so can their freedom.

Reviewing Your Insurance Coverage Matters, Too

When your teen earns their driver’s license, it’s also the right time to revisit your auto insurance policy. Adding them to your existing coverage tends to be the most cost-effective option, but it’s still important to make sure your protections are aligned with your family’s needs.

Take time to consider the following coverages:

  • Higher liability limits: Offers added protection if your teen is at fault in a major accident that results in property damage or medical expenses.
  • Collision coverage: Helps pay for repairs to your vehicle following a crash, regardless of who caused it.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Provides support for non-collision events such as vandalism, theft, or severe weather damage.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects your family if another driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Your insurance agent can help walk you through these choices and recommend what fits best for your situation. It may also be the perfect time to explore potential discounts—such as incentives for strong academic performance, safe driving programs, or cars equipped with advanced safety features.

A Month to Celebrate Progress and Strengthen Good Habits

Teen Driving Awareness Month isn’t just a date on the calendar—it's a reminder of how meaningful this stage of life is. January offers a unique chance to celebrate your teen’s independence while preparing them with the tools and guidance they need to stay safe. With clear expectations, ongoing communication, and the right insurance protections in place, you can help your new driver navigate the road ahead with confidence.

If you’d like help reviewing your auto policy or discussing options for adding your teen driver, reach out to our office anytime. We’re here to support your family as you embrace this exciting milestone with greater clarity and peace of mind.