Coaching Your Teenage Driver

March 13, 2015||inPersonal Insurance|auto insurance, driving safety, personal insurance, teenage drivers

Getting Your License is a Right of Passage for Teenagers

It’s a symbol of growing up and having more freedom, but it also comes with more responsibility. Most teenagers seem to have a feeling of invincibility, which is great, but it needs to be tempered with an increased sense of responsibility, especially behind the wheel. That’s where parents come in.

Coaching Your Teenage Driver
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

There can be Lots of Mixed Emotions for Parents

You celebrate your child achieving a milestone, yet you may worry about the risks. Accidents happen even to experienced drivers, but research indicates that the greatest risk of auto accidents is among teenage drivers. The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that the fatal crash rate for 16- to 19-year-olds is 2.7 times higher than for drivers of all ages. So, there is a justification for parents’ concerns. Yet, we all went through the same thing when we got our licenses.

The challenge is to find the right balance between setting driving safety rules and guidelines to help your teenager gain experience without nagging that could cause them to tune out.   The best way to teach a teenager good driving habits is for parents to demonstrate them consistently before the teenager gets his/her license. But, it’s also good to pass along dos and don’ts through a formal coaching discussion every now and then.

Below are some tips from the International Risk Management Institute for parents to pass on to their sons and daughters who are now getting behind the wheel for the first time.

Tips for Teenage Driving Safety

  1. Establish initial ground rules for the use of the car. These rules, perhaps in the form of a contract, should include restrictions on the number of friends in the car, circumscribed radio use, where and how the car may be used, and curfew times. Curtailment of the right to drive should be spelled out.
  2. Ban cell phone use. Parents should emphasize that cell phones must be turned off and unavailable while the teen is driving. (It’s the law in Massachusetts and other states, but just because it’s the law doesn’t mean it won’t happen, so reinforce the ban.)
  3. Prohibit drinking and driving. Parents should emphasize that there are no exceptions to this ironclad rule.
  4. Keep distractions to a minimum. This includes talking with friends, eating, and playing with the radio/audio system.
  5. Practice defensive driving. Techniques include maintaining a safe distance from cars ahead of the driver, closely monitoring traffic in adjacent lanes, and taking a defensive driving class.
  6. Follow the speed limit. Research indicates that high driving speed is a significant contributor to fatal teen accidents.
  7. Choose a safe auto for your teen. Autos with excellent crash safety records and the latest safety equipment, including airbags and electronic stability control, could reduce your teen’s chances of being injured in an auto accident.

Copyright 2015  International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Read Other Blog Posts

Protecting Your Marlborough Home A Local Guide to Homeowners Insurance

Protecting Your Marlborough Home: A Local Guide to Homeowners Insurance

Thinking about homeowners' insurance in Marlborough, MA? Whether you're settling into your first home or reviewing your coverage, Murphy Insurance offers expert guidance and tailored protection designed for New England’s unique risks. Discover what’s included, what to expect, and how our local team can help you protect what matters most.
Read more
House with trees

10 Signs a Tree May Fall on Your Property

Trees can be valuable additions to any property; however, each year, fallen trees and branches cause millions of dollars in property damage. It is crucial to proactively recognize signs a tree may be at risk of falling to help prevent dangerous and costly accidents.
Read more
Renters Insurance in Medway, MA Protect Yourself Original

Renters Insurance in Medway, MA: Protect Yourself

Renting in Medway, MA offers convenience—but without renters insurance, your belongings may be at risk. While your landlord’s policy covers the building, it doesn’t protect your personal property or shield you from liability. Renters insurance provides affordable coverage for theft, fire, water damage, and personal liability. With options tailored to your needs, local agencies like Murphy Insurance make it easy to get covered.
Read more

Spring Clean Your Insurance: A Fresh Start for Your Policies

With Spring often comes spring cleaning. Have you ever thought about giving your insurance policies a little spring cleaning too? Just like your home, your insurance coverage needs attention and regular updates to ensure it’s still a good fit for your current needs.
Read more
What to Do When a Hurricane Threatens

Get Ready for Hurricane Season in New England: What You Need to Know

While New England is not typically directly in the hurricane "strike zone" like the Gulf Coast or the Southeast, that doesn’t mean we’re immune to the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms. With that in mind, it's important to have a plan as hurricane season approaches and be sure you understand your insurance coverage.
Read more
Notify Your Agent if Home in a Trust

Notify Your Insurer If Your Home Is In A Trust

It may not seem like a big deal, but if your home is held in a trust and your insurance policy isn’t updated to reflect that, it could cause serious problems if you ever need to file a claim. If you’ve put your home into a trust or are planning to, reach out to your insurance agent.
Read more
Driver

Defensive Driving Tips

Using proper defensive driving techniques will help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. With this in mind, be sure to implement the following defensive driving guidance the next time you get behind the wheel.
Read more
Women talking

Understanding the Insurance Knowledge Gap Among Gen Z

Surveys reveals that many Gen Z adults feel overwhelmed by insurance and lack understanding of basic coverage terms, leading to gaps in their protection. However, by working with trusted insurance professionals, they can gain clarity and make informed decisions about essential coverage for their future.
Read more
Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.