Young adults are the most likely age group to be involved in automobile accidents, and this is one of the reasons insurance for teen drivers is so expensive. However, you have several avenues by which you can help protect your teen while he or she is on the road. Below is a list of some of the most effective steps you, as a parent or guardian, can take to help your young driver stay safe.

How to Help Your Teen Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

Teach Your Teen About Distracted Driving

According to TeenSafe.com, distracted driving accounts for as many as 58% of all teen driving accidents and 25% of all crash fatalities. The most common distractions are digital device use—including phone calls, texting, looking at maps, etc.—adjusting the radio, loud music, and talking to passengers in the back seat. Educate your teen about the dangers of these types of behaviors and teach them to pull over before responding to digital notifications or when referring to a map.

Limit the Number of Passengers Your Teen May Have

Kids tend to become more rambunctious when gathered in larger groups. To avoid this, limit your teen's passengers to a single friend. That way, they're in less danger of becoming overly rowdy. It also keeps friends out of the backseat, where they can become a distraction if the driver should take eyes off the road to have a conversation.

Limit Nighttime Driving

Nighttime driving is riskier than driving during daylight for a number of reasons: visibility is limited, oncoming headlamps can be blinding, fatigue can set in, and there are more intoxicated drivers on the road. The rate of fatal nighttime crashes for teens plummets by half between the ages of 16 and 18, so it's wise to limit your kids' nighttime driving until they have a few years of experience. Have them return the car by sundown when they're first starting out, and gradually extend permission as their skills improve.

Your teen's safety is of paramount importance to you, so it's essential you encourage safe driving habits, provide oversight, and keep the insurance on your vehicle up to date. To see if you can lower your auto insurance rates or improve your coverage at no additional charge, contact Rio Grande Insurance, the most trusted insurance agency in Espanola, NM. They've been serving businesses and individuals throughout Rio Arriba County for more than 30 years and also specialize in home, life, business, and health coverage. Visit their website to view location details or call (505) 753-2151 to request a quote.