5 Tips to Help Parents Talk to Teens About Safe Driving

Parents Can Help Save Lives During Dangerous Period Between Memorial Day and Labor Day

LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2025 -- The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is packed with summer festivities and outings, but it also holds the ominous distinction of being the "100 deadliest days of summer." That's because during this time, American teens are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal car collision, according to the National Road Safety Foundation.

The good news is that there are a number of ways we can collectively make our roads safer during the bustling summer season — and parents of young drivers play a key role.

"It's important that parents talk with their teens about the seriousness of the 100 deadliest days and enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence or using a cell phone while driving," said Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Auto Claims for Mercury Insurance. "We understand that some parents may be unsure how to have these sensitive conversations, so that's why we've compiled these tips."

Parents should keep the following tips in mind when talking to their teens about safe driving:

Be confident: Know that you can have a positive impact on your teen's driving behavior just by engaging in frank conversation and explaining the seriousness of the matter. Share some stories and statistics related to teen drivers and distracted driving, as well as about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Remind your teen often that driving is a skill that requires undivided attention.
Lead by example: Teens may not listen to you all the time, but they do watch and learn from you. That's why it's imperative to set a good example by being a safe and responsible driver yourself. Any risky or illegal behaviors you engage in while driving not only undermines your credibility, but also sends the erroneous message to your teen that these behaviors are acceptable.
Understand teen driving laws in your state: All states have some form of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), which is a three-phase system for beginning drivers that consists of a learner's permit, an intermediate license and a full license. Make sure you are familiar with the laws in your state and enforce them in your household. Additionally, for anyone under age 21, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) should always be at .00, not just under .08, which is the legal limit for drivers over age 21.
Be a supportive coach: Set aside time to take your teen on practice driving sessions and avoid relying solely on driver education classes. Learning to drive can be a stressful time, so it's important to remain level-headed and offer positive reinforcement. Some parents may find it helpful to draft a parent-teen driving contract that puts expectations in writing.
Stay involved: Monitor driving behavior even after your teen obtains a license. It takes time, experience, judgment and skill to learn how to drive safely. Plus, teens who are monitored closely tend to speed less, which is a critical safety issue for teen drivers.

"The bottom line is that you can have more of an influence on your teen than you may think. Set a good example and be involved from the beginning and throughout the duration of your child's teen years on the road," said Quinn.

For more resources on teen driving, visit NHTSA's Teen Driving site.