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Receiving a driver’s license is a major milestone for a teenager. Unfortunately, it can be a source of worry for parents. To keep your nerves in check and help your teen adjust to driving, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure your teen is covered by your auto insurance policy. Once that’s finished, consider laying down these five ground rules.

Suggested Rules for Newly Licensed Teen Drivers

1. Set a Driving Curfew

Driving at night poses a different set of conditions than driving during the day. According to the CDC, over one-third of fatal crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers happens after 9 p.m. Until your teen has built up experience, consider setting a daily driving curfew.

2. Stress Safe Driving Practices

Seatbelts are life-saving, and it’s important that your teen knows this. Set a rule that seatbelts must always be worn, even in parking lots. If your teen is caught driving without buckling, enforce the consequence you set.

insuranceYour teen passed a driving test in order to get their license, but it’s still wise to make sure they follow all the safety rules when behind the wheel. From adjusting mirrors to using turn signals, the serious responsibility of driving a vehicle should always be acknowledged.

3. Limit Passengers

Passengers can be highly distracting for teen drivers. According to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, a teen driver’s chance of being in an auto accident doubles with one passenger and triples with two or more passengers. Allow your teen to gain experience before transporting passengers. After that, set a limit you’re comfortable with.

4. Ban Talking & Texting

Distraction is a factor in over half of teen crashes, and phones are a major culprit. For their safety and that of drivers and pedestrians around them, ban the use of their phone while driving. Talk to your teen about your concerns and ask them to power their phone off or turn off the ringer and notifications while driving to eliminate distractions.

5. Report Home

For the first couple of months that your teen is driving, they need to regularly report back to you. Have them call or text before they leave to go somewhere and after they reach their destination.

 

Keep your teen protected on the road with the right auto insurance policy. Southern Insurance AL, LLC has been serving the Foley area for over 30 years, and as an independent insurance agency, they can help you find the best auto insurance coverage at a competitive price. Their agents make the insurance process hassle-free and easy to understand. Visit their website to learn more or call them at (251) 943-3340 to receive a free quote today.

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