What one piece of advice do you have for teen drivers and their parents?

Graduated driver licensing programs are becoming more commonplace and place limits on night driving and for good reason. Studies show that 20 percent of teenagers' fatalities occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight, and 34 percent occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.

Even if it might seem appropriate sometimes, don’t imply your teen is a bad driver. Driving is stressful and it has a steep learning curve, so there’s no reason to undercut your teen’s confidence. I’ve seen some teens give up on wanting to drive for years because of their parents’ criticisms. That lack of confidence can also show up on the road–in a moment where a split decision is required, a teen might freeze up when a confident choice is the safest one.

Too often, teen drivers and adults don’t put in the practice time before driver’s exam, and it can lead to disappointing results. Consistent, regular practice is the only way to develop good driving skills, so parents and teens need to carve out time to practice. Like any skill, teens should be driving in low-stakes driving situations at least several times a week for a few months leading up to a driver’s exam. By the time a teen is tested, he or she should feel confident and experienced for any of the regular surprises on the road.

Parents should not encourage a fight or argument just before driving. Also, teens should learn that before driving, they should keep a calm mind. It is extremely common to have an accident when the person's mind is somewhere else. Hence, keeping the mind free and clear is extremely important for a safe drive. The reason why keeping your phone away is recommended. Because humans easily dwell towards things that seem interesting to them.

Most teenagers don't have enough funds to get their car with their own money. This will result in parents having to cover up for them, through a loan. This is why it's important to discuss this with each other. You have to tell your teenager that there are a lot of financial aspects involved in owning a car. Discuss all of them so they understand that it's not that simple. As a parent, you have to tell them that you'll help them with the loan, if necessary. But, they have to save up for other expenses like gas, maintenance, car wash, repairs, etc. This helps build trust and a sense of responsibility for the teen drivers.

There are smartphone apps available that monitor driving behaviors and send automatic text messages when teens arrive safely at their destinations. Not only is this reassuring for parents but it is also a golden opportunity to monitor their driving. Offering extra tuition if they commit the same mistakes regularly or feel hesitant regarding particular driving regulations.

I am insured by Geico, and one of my favorite things about it is that their mobile app helps grade my driving. It picks up on things like if I brake too hard or turn corners too fast. It can also tell if the user has their phone in their hand while driving. Because I have a high score based on Geico's standards, I'm getting a low insurance rate. Knowing that the app is constantly monitoring me has also made me more mindful of making safe decisions on the road, so it's a win-win!

Learning to drive can be a daunting task, for both the child and the parent. Nerves, all the road rules, and the ongoing list of things to watch out for get in the way of an enjoyable experience. We don't learn effectively when we are nervous and afraid of messing up. Parents can change that for the kids. The best thing I did as a parent is to give my child my trust and silence. I let them learn at their speed, and made it enjoyable in the process. When we create an environment of ease and enjoyment, learning happens.

Unless a teen driver is fully financially responsible for their automobile, insurance, gas, and maintenance, parents are duty bound to set useful guidelines for their children's safety. This isn't to imply that those giving financial support are entitled to decision-making power over the recipient, but rather that parents facilitating their teen's driving are responsible for outcomes. There are already additional regulations for teen drivers and their aptitude is tested before they get their license, but other factors that increase the likelihood of accidents are best measured by parents. Risk cannot be accurately assessed without data, so parents must first make an effort better understand their teen's habits, motivations, and attitude. Then common sense guidelines for that teen's unique setting and circumstance can be established.

Parents need to set a good example for their teens by not texting and driving, and they need to encourage their teens to not look at their phones while driving. Texting and driving is extremely dangerous for anyone of any age, and it is especially dangerous for teens who are learning to drive for the first time.

Your teen has often sat in the passenger seat next to you on the road, meaning they've seen how you handle stressful situations while driving. Even if they may appear as if they aren't paying attention, they are most likely observing your reactions and habits. Every time you drive with your teen, set a safe example by following the rules of the road and staying calm in frustrating settings. When your teen begins to drive on their own, they could think about and imitate how you handled a tough situation — and it could save their life.

Getting adequate sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially important for teen drivers. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is a major contributing factor in many car accidents. Parents should encourage their teen drivers to get a good night's sleep before getting behind the wheel.

Speed limit signs are intended to be obeyed: Regardless of the expression "need for speed," there is no cause for your kid to disregard speed limit signs. Speeding causes accidents and puts you and anybody else in your vehicle in danger. Furthermore, adhering to the speed limit is a wonderful method to avoid receiving a speeding ticket.

Don't text while driving: Let's be honest. Smartphones are a major source of distraction for teenagers. It is critical to teach your teen that texting and driving do not mix. While your kid may believe that they can multitask and accomplish both, they do not. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds...those seconds that they believed they could send a fast text or make a phone call could be the seconds that they or someone else is harmed by wrecking their vehicle.

Before you do anything else, fasten your seat belt: Your teen should be in the habit of buckling their seat belt before doing anything else in the car. Every single time. As a result, it becomes a habit, and they don't even think twice about it. Seatbelts save lives, and it's critical that your teen understands this.

Learn to ignore the radio controls: It's no secret that teenagers enjoy music, but it's vital for them to understand that they don't have to focus on having their favorite song screaming from the speakers all the time. When driving, their primary emphasis should be on keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes and ears on the road.

When it's raining, never use cruise control: When driving down the highway, cruise control can be a useful feature; but, if rain begins to fall, the cruise control must be turned off immediately. When the roads are wet, they can become slippery, and if your adolescent is using cruise control, it's easy for their wheels to slip and they could lose control of the car.

Enroll your teenager in a Defensive Driving Course: Educating your teen on the necessity of safe driving should be high on your priority list. Enrolling your adolescent in a defensive driving course, such as Tire Rack Street Survival School, enables them to understand their vehicle, acquire safety advice, and be prepared and educated on how to drive safely on the road. The skills kids will gain at Street Survival School will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

One sad reality about car crashes is that parents should advise their children not to contact an insurance company too soon. Teenagers may not be ready to calmly and collectively describe everything that happened in detail. A flustered teen can miss a few important points and that can lead to problems down the road. Insurance companies will do what they need to to avoid paying more than they have to - and that includes taking advantage of a shaken young driver. The first move is to reach out to a family attorney. Run all the facts by the lawyer before moving forward. That way, all your bases are covered.

The best piece of advice for teen drivers and their parents is to always be aware. Be alert, especially when being in a new environment or driving on roads that are not frequently used by the driver. Drive defensively, anticipate bad acts from others, never underestimate your surroundings and stay calm under pressure.