Worried About Your Teenage Driver? Take These Steps to Keep Them Safe

As a parent, there’s nothing more important to you than the safety of your child. It can be a very scary time for parents when their kids are learning how to drive, especially in the Nashville area, where traffic and accidents have both been on the rise for several years. You may be able to start with some ground rules (e.g., no cell phone, no loud music, no more than two passengers, etc.), but you don’t have much of a way to enforce those rules.

And what about when they graduate from high school and go to Middle Tennessee University or some other school? They’re technically on their own, but their brains are still developing, and they will be spending lots of time with other new drivers with the same new sense of freedom. What steps can you take to help keep your teen driver safe during this vulnerable time? Let’s look at some practical teen driver safety tips.

Educate your teen

Unfortunately, teen drivers are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes that result in injuries or legal consequences. In some cases, families may even find themselves needing to consult a car accident lawyer to navigate the aftermath.

Teen drivers remain a high-risk group on Tennessee roads. According to the Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y de Seguridad de Tennessee, more than 20,000 crashes in 2023 involved at least one driver between the ages of 14 and 18. These crashes included nearly 500 serious injury collisions and 98 fatal crashes, highlighting just how dangerous the road can be for inexperienced drivers. 

While crash rates dipped during the pandemic in 2020, teen driver crashes have remained consistently high ever since, especially in fast-growing regions like Middle Tennessee, where traffic congestion and distracted driving continue to contribute to rising collision rates.

Have some open and honest conversations about the risks of distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and the importance of obeying traffic laws. Try to come from the approach that you are entrusting your teen with these adult responsibilities, and that you have faith in their ability to handle them. You can also walk them through Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions so they understand the responsibilities that come with each learner’s permit and licensing phase.

This approach isn’t foolproof, but it makes it more likely that your teen will begin to take ownership of their own safety—and that’s the goal.

Consider a tracking app

Apps like Life360 or Bouncie can also provide real-time alerts for speeding, harsh braking, or phone use. Some insurance companies even offer discounts if you use them. If you’re truly concerned about your teen’s safety on the road, you may want to consider downloading one. Various tracking apps can:

• Pinpoint your teen’s geographic location at all times
• Establezca geocercas (límites) para ellos para que reciba una alerta cuando se aventuren en áreas restringidas (por ejemplo, puntos críticos de accidentes they’re not ready to handle)
• Le avisa cuando su hijo adolescente envía mensajes de texto mientras conduce, excede el límite de velocidad, etc.

These apps aren’t perfect, but they do add a layer of accountability to your teen while they’re still becoming comfortable behind the wheel.

Invest in driver-assist features

These days, technology in cars can be a lifesaver. When buying a car, consider one that has driver-assist features such as automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and others. Newer vehicles even feature driver monitoring systems (DMS) that detect drowsiness or distraction and alert the driver in real time.

These features can help prevent accidents by intervening when the driver is not paying attention or making poor decisions, and more importantly, the alerts keep your teen immediately accountable for missteps so safe driving becomes a habit for them. Some cars even include a “teen driver” mode with features like maximum speed and delaying shifting into gear until seat belts are fastened.

Lead by example

When it comes to teaching teens to drive safely, the “Do as I say, not as I do” approach doesn’t work if you exhibit poor driver skills or habits. If you’re exceso de velocidad, weaving through traffic, ignoring your turn signals, or texting while driving, your teen is more likely to pick up these same habits.

One of the best ways to instill safe driving habits is to practice them yourself. Obey speed limits and stay calm under pressure. Don’t just tell your kids to be safe behind the wheel—show them how it’s done, and they’ll be more likely to take those habits with them when they drive solo.

Create a parent-teen driving agreement

One effective way to set expectations and encourage accountability is by creating a written parent-teen driving agreement. Your agreement can outline rules like:

• Always wear a seat belt.
• Avoid distractions and never use a phone while driving.
• Follow curfews (especially those required by Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License laws).
• Don’t drive with teen passengers unless approved.

You can also add consequences for violations of this agreement, like reduced driving privileges or extra driving practice time with a parent. 

Young drivers are more likely to respect boundaries when they help set them. A written agreement gives everyone clarity, and gives your teen a reference point when they’re confronted with peer pressure or risky decisions.

👉 Download the free Weir & Kestner Parent-Teen Driving Agreement Template

Were you injured in a Tennessee car accident?

There’s no need to suffer alone due to someone else’s negligence. The experienced legal team at Abogados de lesiones Weir & Kestner focuses on providing the best possible representation to victims of car accidents. Contáctenos en línea o llame directamente a nuestra oficina al (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll arrange a time to meet with you at one of our offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Chattanooga—cualquier ubicación que sea más conveniente para usted.