Insurance carriers can attest that driving during the summertime poses a number of risks. Teen drivers are especially vulnerable between Memorial Day and Labor Day because they tend to partake in riskier behavior once school is out. As more inexperienced drivers with fewer inhibitions hit the road, collision rates increase. Encourage your teen to follow a few simple tips that will contribute to his or her safety behind the wheel. 

How to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe Behind the Wheel

1. Limit Passengers 

Rowdy friends and boisterous siblings can make it hard for your teen to focus on the road. Discourage them from transporting more than one passenger at a time and remind him or her to keep the music at a reasonable volume.

Alabama law prohibits 16-year-old drivers with a restricted license from driving more than one passenger, excluding parents or legal guardians of the license-holder. 

2. Stow Smartphones 

A human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25, which is why some teens can have a hard time understanding all the potential consequences of their actions. This includes texting and driving. Teens who get in the habit of using their phones while behind the wheel are likely to continue doing so until disaster strikes.

Implement a rule that their phone must be stowed as long as the vehicle is in motion. If your teen relies on his or her mobile device for navigation, there are apps that will disable the phone’s other functions until the vehicle comes to a stop. 

3. Offer Alternatives 

Let your teen know that while you don’t condone bad behavior, like underage drinking, you will always be available to offer a ride. Teens who know their parents will be upset are more inclined to get behind the wheel while impaired. If you devise an agreement with your children that you’ll pick them up should they ever find themselves in trouble, they will be less likely to make poor or dangerous decisions.

To get coverage for your teen driver, turn to Absolute Insurance Agency in Foley, AL. This family-owned agency has been serving clients across Baldwin and Mobile counties for nearly a decade. They’re backed by more than 25 years of experience and work with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to bring you affordable rates and policies to suit your needs. Reach out online or call (251) 942-6837 to request a quote.