Monthly Archives: October 2025

Common Teen Driving Pitfalls: How Parents Can Prevent Them

Even the most careful new drivers tend to repeat certain mistakes. The earlier these habits are spotted and corrected, the safer your teen will be when they’re driving solo. Speeding is one of the most common issues. For many teens, it’s not about thrill-seeking—it’s a misjudgment of how fast they’re actually going, especially when moving from quiet streets to highways. Have them practice driving slightly under the limit and adjusting speeds for curves, weather, or traffic flow. Overconfidence often shows up a few weeks into the permit period. After a handful of smooth drives, teens may believe they’ve “got it.” This can lead to taking risks they’re not ready for. Keep exposing them to new challenges—night driving, busy intersections, or adverse weather—so […]

The Transition to Solo Driving: Setting Boundaries Before They Go Alone

The day your teen drives away without you in the passenger seat is a milestone—but also the start of the most dangerous phase of their driving life. The first 6–12 months of solo driving carry the highest crash risk, largely due to distractions, inexperience, and overconfidence. Setting clear boundaries before they ever drive alone is one of the most effective ways to reduce that risk. Begin with a family driving agreement. This should outline rules on: Passenger limits – More passengers mean more distractions. Many states already restrict them, but you can go further. Curfews – Night driving is riskier, especially for new drivers. Approved routes – Limit their early drives to familiar areas before expanding their range. Phone use – No texting or handheld […]