Teen Driving Awareness Month: A Time to Reflect, Prepare, and Support New Drivers

Celebrating a Major Life Moment

For many teens, earning a driver’s license is more than a rite of passage—it represents newfound independence, responsibility, and confidence. For parents, though, it often comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Seeing your teen drive away for the first time is a moment you never forget.

That’s why Teen Driving Awareness Month each January is such an important opportunity. It’s a chance to acknowledge this milestone, open up conversations about safety, and make sure both your young driver and your insurance coverage are ready for the road ahead.

Why Teen Drivers Face Added Risks

Even as overall crash numbers improve nationwide, teenagers remain one of the most vulnerable age groups behind the wheel. In 2021, drivers under age 20 represented 12.6% of all drivers involved in crashes, despite making up just 5.1% of licensed drivers overall. A blend of inexperience, distraction, and overconfidence can make the early months of driving especially risky.

Nighttime driving introduces an even tougher set of challenges. Poor visibility, fatigue, and a greater number of impaired or distracted drivers on the road make evening travel particularly dangerous. For teens who are still developing their driving instincts, these conditions can create situations they’re not yet prepared to handle.

Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Many teen driving accidents stem from small, preventable mistakes. Reinforcing a few consistent habits can go a long way toward keeping your teen safer every time they’re behind the wheel.

Put the Phone Away.
Distraction remains one of the biggest contributors to teen crashes. A text message, notification, or quick scroll can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to cause a serious accident. Encourage your teen to use “Do Not Disturb,” keep their phone out of reach, or place it in the glove compartment until they reach their destination.

Buckle Up—No Exceptions.
Seat belt usage among teens is consistently lower than it is for adults. Yet this simple habit cuts the risk of severe injury or death in half. Make seat belt use a rule that applies to every passenger, every time, no matter how short the drive.

Take It Slow and Maintain Distance.
Speeding and following too closely are both common mistakes for new drivers. Remind your teen that arriving safely always outweighs arriving quickly. Keeping a safe distance gives them more time to react to sudden changes on the road.

Manage Risk Where You Can.
Set clear expectations around nighttime driving and limit the number of passengers allowed in the car until your teen gains more experience. Fewer distractions and less pressure can help them stay focused and calm.

Don’t Overlook Your Insurance Coverage

Once your teen becomes a licensed driver, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your coverage. Adding them to your existing auto insurance policy is typically the most cost-effective option, but it’s important to make sure your policy still provides the protection your family needs.

Here are a few coverage types worth reviewing:

• Higher liability limits: Helps cover medical expenses and property damage if your teen causes an accident.
• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash.
• Comprehensive coverage: Provides protection against theft, weather events, vandalism, and other non-collision incidents.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Offers added protection if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

Your insurance agent can guide you through each option and help you find a balance between affordability and strong protection. This is also a great time to explore discounts—many insurers offer savings for good grades, driver safety courses, or vehicles with certain safety features.

A Month to Honor Growth—and Look Ahead

Teen Driving Awareness Month is more than a calendar observance. It’s a meaningful reminder to acknowledge your teen’s progress, reinforce safe habits, and make sure your insurance coverage is ready for this new chapter. With steady communication, encouragement, and the right protections in place, you can help your teen build lifelong safe driving habits.

If you’re ready to review your auto insurance policy or want help adding a teen driver, we’re here to support you. Reach out anytime—we’re committed to helping your family navigate this exciting milestone with confidence and peace of mind.