Driving is exciting and dangerous for starters. Teen drivers are especially at a higher risk of accidents because of a lack of experience and the adventurous habits often associated with young drivers.
Some of the most common mistakes that teens make while driving are distracted driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, tailgating, and falling under the influence of peer pressure.
Understanding these common mistakes can help teen drivers ensure safer driving practices and save the lives of teens and adults alike.
- Distracted Driving
One of the most common mistakes teen drivers make is distracted driving. This may include phone-related activities like texting, calling, and scrolling social media, but also other behaviors like eating or grooming while driving. Even talking to the passengers may be a source of distraction for some drivers, especially when the conversation involves an emotionally or cognitively stimulating subject that can draw attention away from the road.
In 2019, 39% of American high school students who drove either texted or e-mailed behind the wheel at least once during the previous 30-day period. This is alarming since drivers who engage in distracted driving are 8 times more likely to get involved in a crash or near crash event in comparison with non-distracted drivers.
Teenagers should intentionally set their phones aside when behind the wheel or use apps that block notifications while driving. Parents, guardians, teachers, and other relevant parties should discuss the dangers of distracted driving with teens and encourage them to keep both hands on the wheel while driving. Parents can also present a set of potential ‘punishments’ in case they engage in distracted driving, such as taking away the car for a few days or not giving money for the fuel.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is another common and dangerous mistake teens make when driving. Compared to older drivers, teens are more likely to speed when driving. Another interesting statistic is that speeding becomes even more common when there is a male teenage passenger in the car. The psychology behind this is that male teens try to impress each other with their speed of driving as if to show power and fearlessness.
In 2022, speeding contributed to nearly one-third of the fatal crashes that involved teen drivers. Keeping such numbers in mind, teens should respect the speed limits and adjust their speed in accordance with the weather, visibility, and road conditions. Using cruise control on the long stretches of highways can also help avoid speeding. Additionally, it is important to dedicate a sufficient amount of time to the journey so that there is no rush to get to the destination.
- Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Using a seat belt while driving has become more common around the world. In fact, belt use in the U.S. reached nearly 91.9% in 2023. However, teens are less likely to wear seatbelts compared to adults, regardless of whether they are alone or with another passenger.
However, wearing a seat belt can save lives during a collision. In 2022, more than 50% of teen driver fatalities from vehicle crashes involved individuals who didn’t wear a seat belt.
- Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Teens often underestimate the time they need to stop safely, which results in an increased risk of rear-end collisions in sudden stops. The three-second rule is a simple guideline to help teens maintain a safe distance: when a car passes a point, count to three before your vehicle reaches the same point. Remember, this is the least distance you should have while driving and should opt for more if possible. This will give you enough time to react in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.
Since rear-end collisions are one of the most common accidents among teen drivers, choosing the best car insurance company can make a big difference in handling repair costs and liability. A provider with comprehensive coverage can offer financial protection and peace of mind when unexpected incidents occur.
- Overconfidence and Peer Pressure
When there are friends in the car, teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, whether it is distracted driving, speeding, or not wearing a seat belt. Having just one passenger can boost the likelihood of a teen’s risky behavior by two-and-a-half times. This risk triples with more than one passenger.
Parents should set clear rules about the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle, especially in the initial stages of driving. It is also important to discuss the dangers of peer pressure and encourage teens to prioritize safety over social pressures. Beyond safety, driving is one of the flexible expenses that can impact a family’s budget, with risks like accidents and increased insurance premiums. By making smart financial choices, like finding affordable car insurance for students, driving can remain both enjoyable and financially manageable.
Final Thoughts
Even though teens face many challenges when starting their driving journey (whether related to inexperience or psychology), these challenges and risks can be significantly mitigated. Education, practice, and parental guidance can play an important role in this regard. By avoiding risky behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, tailgating, and yielding to peer pressure, teens can ensure safer driving for themselves, their passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Exploring options like the best car insurance for students can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of accidents. Learning how to stop overspending on insurance premiums can also help manage costs effectively and direct the money to something important (e.g. getting quality driving lessons).
