FAQ's of Teen Driver Auto Accidents and How to Reduce Them

How many teen related auto accidents occur each year?

Auto accidents are the number one killer of teens. Almost 6,000 teens die every year in auto accidents. Teens account for 14% of all motor vehicle accident deaths. 5,288 teens died in motor vehicle accidents in 2005 in the U.S. Crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, accounting for more than one-third of all deaths of 16 to 18 year-olds.

What are the primary factors for teen auto accidents?

Parents are often relieved when their teen starts driving because they don't have to chauffeur them around anymore. The two primary factors that cause teen auto accidents are immaturity and inexperience. Teens are likely to engage in risky behavior, such as: speeding, not wearing a seat belt, passengers in the vehicle, night driving (9pm - 6am), alcohol, following other vehicles too close, passing inappropriately, & driver error. Young drivers tend to overestimate their own physical and driving abilities and underestimate the dangers on the road.

What is the age that teens are at the highest risk for auto accidents?

Sixteen year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age, including older teenagers. However, older teens are still high-risk drivers.

Is there a risk with my teen having passengers in the vehicle?

The presence of passengers can increase the risk by distractions and peer pressure to take risks. Teens often make poor decisions and deliberately seek thrills like speeding with passengers in the vehicle.

Why should I be concerned about my teen's driving? The state issued my teen a license.

Currently, there is no state law that meets or exceeds all of the requirements necessary to ensure teen driver safety. Most parents blame themselves when their teen is injured or killed in a traffic accident? The parent does have some degree of responsibility.

My teen always follows the rules & has never been in trouble, so why fix something that's not broken?

Even teens that usually follow the rules can be easily distracted or encouraged to take risks without constant monitoring. Statistics show that most fatally injured young drivers don't have prior traffic violations or crashes on their records. Teens will make their best independent decisions under supervision or while they are monitored with a tracking device.

Why not just let kids be kids and let them learn from their own mistakes?

Teenagers perceive driving as freedom, and don't consider the risks involved because their brain is not fully developed.

Is Driver's Education sufficient training for my teen to be a safe driver?

Driver's Education is important, but it does not reduce the need for additional training and monitoring. Unfortunately, the problem is that so many crashes involve the driver's attitude, not their skill. According to The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, "Training and education don't change these tendencies. Don't rely solely on driver education. High school driver education may be the most convenient way to learn skills, but it doesn't produce safer drivers. Even graduated licensing doesn't attempt to modify driver behavior directly."

How can I help my teen become a safe driver?

Constant and direct supervision or monitoring with a GPS tracking system for at least the first year of driving can significantly reduce teen driver auto accidents. Most parents would find it impossible to always ride in the vehicle with their teen. A teen tracking system has become a convenient way for parents to have peace of mind, and for teens to have accountability while they are behind the wheel.

Would monitoring my teen's driving appear as a lack of trust?

No. In fact, tracking teens has proven to actually embrace more trust because the parent does not have to question the teen or place as many restrictions on them.

How can this device help my teen become a safe driver?

Our tracking systems provide a balance of constant teen supervision through online mapping and reports, but it still allows the teen freedom and privacy that they deserve. It's like being in the passenger seat next to the driver without actually being there. GPS tracking can identify bad driving habits related to speed, seat belt usage, passengers in the vehicle, and whereabouts, etc. A GPS vehicle tracking device will allow the parent to correct potential problems that put teens at risk and it will help them become a safe driver out of habit.

Will installing a tracking devices get me a discount on my teen's auto insurance?

In some states, there is a discount available. The best way to find out is to contact a TeenDriverInsurance.com agent. These agents specialize in protecting families with teen drivers. They can help you get the special coverage for families with teen drivers and give you other tools to make sure your teen is driving safe. Go to www.teendriverinsurance.com and simply enter your zip code to find an agent in your area.

Where do I buy a teen tracking device?

TeenDriverInsurance.com has teamed up with Rocky Mountain Tracking's Teen Safety Program. The Teen Safety Program offers TeenDriverInsurance.com clients a huge discount on our GPS teen tracking device products. For more information about receiving a discount, visit: http://www.TeenDriverInsurance.com and contact your local agent.