Teen Drivers face Unique Challenges

Teens are returning to school during the 100 Deadliest Days for drivers, the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day where fatal crash rates for drivers rise, reports AAA. With virtual and alternative class schedules being offered across the state, teens may be spending more time on the roads unsupervised than they would in a typical school year.  Parents are the best line of defense to keep their teens safe behind the wheel. AAA recommends that now is a good time for parents to revisit safe driving conversations with their teens. A parent-teen driving agreement is a great way to open the lines of communication with your teen driver and helps to set clear driving-related expectations and restrictions in the household.  AAA offers a variety of resources for parents of teen drivers.  AAA Parent Coaching Guide 2020 offers behind-the-wheel lesson plans, including a variety of “Do’s and Don’ts” to make the learning experience.  TeenDriving.AAA.com – an online resource with a variety of tools to help prepare parents and teens for the learning-to-drive process.  The online AAA StartSmart Parent Session offers excellent resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges.  AAADrive™ is a free feature within the AAA Mobile app that can help new teen drivers demonstrate their safe driving to their parents. Available to AAA members and insureds, the companion app allows parents and teens to agree and set limits such as when they can drive, where they can drive and how fast they can drive.  Download it by texting MOBILEAPP to 99513.