Embarking on a lifetime of driving is an exciting yet daunting experience for teen drivers.

All new drivers–and teens in particular–are at risk as they make plans for spring getaways. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a sobering statistic: More than 2,000 drivers aged 15 to 20 died in traffic crashes in 2022 alone.

The following guidelines help teen drivers to navigate the roads safely. They also help young drivers build safe driving habits that last a lifetime.

1. Get to Know Your Ride

Where’s the hazard light button? How do you turn on the high beams? What does that weird light on the dash mean?

Take a few minutes to explore your car—inside and out. Get to know all the details of your vehicle’s operation, every button and all the switches. Then, in an emergency, you can operate your vehicle with confidence.

Adjust your mirrors before pulling into the road. Slide your seat into a spot that feels right and look for blind spots. Such familiarity helps keep you calm behind the wheel.

2. Do a Quick Pre-Drive Check

Consider a pre-check drive like a pilot doing a pre-flight check: It’s routine, but it matters.

• Check your tires. Give them more than a glance. Look carefully at the tread. Does one tire look saggy or weird? Could be a slow leak. Low tire pressure can interfere with braking and handling.
• Check all inside and outside lights–headlights. Turn signals. Brake lights. You’ll need a buddy to help check the rear. Replace dim or nonworking bulbs.
• Look at your fuel gauge. Fill up if it’s near the “E” mark or if you see a “low on fuel” warning light. don’t risk running out of gas at night or far from home.

3. Know the Rules of the Road

Road signs, right-of-way rules, roundabouts—there’s a lot of things to consider as a new driver.  And, as new drivers log more miles, the temptation to ignore or miss signs may become greater.

For instance, speed limits are designed as part of the original road engineering. They factor in road layout, visibility and traffic flow. That also helps explain why some intersections utilize stop signs and others don’t.

Download your state’s driver handbook. It’s free and contains useful information on avoiding traffic fines and accidents.

4. Drive as though other people on the road are distracted

Defensive driving means you’re not just focused on your own car. Watch what other drivers are doing–or not doing. 

A basic principle: Do not assume drivers will yield or that they see your vehicle.

Is the driver next to you texting at a red light? Do you see an SUV driver swerving because he’s eating lunch?

Keep a cushion of space between you and the car ahead. About three seconds is the general rule. Double that in bad weather.

5. Remove distractions so you can focus

Phones, Friends, Food: They all seem harmless but until they pull your eyes off the road for just one second too long.

Put your phone in the glove box or use Do Not Disturb mode. Your playlist or directions can wait until the car is parked.

Driving with rowdy pals or distracting siblings? As the driver you have an obligation to their safety as well as yours. Ask them politely to reign in their enthusiasm while you’re behind the wheel. 

6. Buckle up to help save lives

Seat belts have improved dramatically since the first lap straps were introduced into vehicles some 65 years ago. Every year seat belts save an estimated 15,000 lives in the US alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Yet, almost 60% of teens killed in vehicle crashes were not using safety belts. The NHTSA recommends adult drivers in the family to model seat belt behavior by buckling up as soon as they enter a vehicle. 

7. Stand strong about impaired driving

NHTSA offers some life-saving suggestions for parents of teen drivers. It recommends explaining serious legal and fatal consequences of driving after drinking or drugs, prescription or otherwise.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevent, the statistics on teen drivers is sobering:

• 29% of drivers between the ages of 15–20 who died in vehicle crashes had been drinking.
• 17% of drivers between 15–20 who were involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes tested with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. That level is illegal for adults in all U.S. states except Utah, which is 0.05%.
• 62% of drivers ages 15–20 who died in vehicle crashes after drinking were not wearing a seat belt.
• 24% of male drivers between ages 15–20 years and 17% of female drivers between 15–20 years involved in fatal crashes had been drinking prior to the crash.

Parents who supply alcohol to teens may get swept into a legal morass as well. They may face jail sentences, loss of their driving licenses and substantial fines. 

8. Drowsy Driving Is Still Dangerous Driving

Sleepy drivers can be just as risky as drunk drivers. One annual census conducted by NHTSA tallied 91,000 crashes and 50,000 injuries involving drowsy drivers. 

Where and when are new drivers most at risk? NHTSA offers the following summary of accidents from drowsy drivers:

• Accidents involving drowsy drivers usually take place in late afternoon or between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.
• Drowsy drivers generally are alone and veer off the road at a high rate of speed with no signs of braking
• Rural roads and highways are the most common locations for accidents involving drowsy drivers.

According to NHTSA, teen drivers are at risk of drowsy-driving crashes as their biological need for sleep increases. Consumption of alcohol and medications also contribute to drowsy driving accidents. 

9. Practice in All Kinds of Weather

New and young drivers may have learned to operate a vehicle under sunny skies. Are they ready for adverse conditions.

Help your young driver learn about different road conditions before they encounter it on their own. For instance, discuss driving on wet roads and the effects of hydroplaning. Practice braking and driving on poorly lit roads. 

10. Prepare for the unexpected

All drivers face a roadside dilemma sooner or later–flat tire, dead battery. fender bender. 

Explain to your teen drivers why they should carry an emergency road kit when traveling away from home. Here are a list of common items for your teen’s next road trip:

• Jumper cables
• flashlight
• phone charger
• basic tools
• water
• snacks
• blanket
• basic first-aid items.
• copy of the vehicle registration 
• insurance information

Road debris and potholes can cause unexpected problems as well. All drivers should understand how to change a tire even if they never have to do it themselves.