PARENTS: KEEP YOUR TEENS SAFE

According to a recent survey, parents are the top source of information when teens have a question about traffic safety and 85% of teen drivers in Tennessee reported being taught to drive by a family member1. In 2019, there were 13,925 crashes in Tennessee that involved a driver under the age of 18 – that’s more than 38 crashes every single day. Seventy-two percent of teens admitted to participating in risky or illegal driving behavior1. The most common offenses included driving above the speed limit, driving or riding without a seat belt, and texting while driving.
three green people seated in a row in a car

More Passengers, More Problems

Only half of teen drivers in Tennessee report thinking that other passengers in the vehicle is a distraction while driving1. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up dramatically in direct relation to the number of passengers in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers. One-third of teens reportedly do not know the Graduated Driver License System restrictions on the number of passengers in a vehicle with a teen driver1. It is paramount that parents and caregivers both know the law and enforce it with their teens.
image of a green speedometer

Stop Their Speeding, Before it Stops Them

Eighty-seven percent of teens admit that they regularly drive above the posted speed limit1. Speeding is a critical issue for all drivers, especially for teens who lack the experience to react to changing circumstances around their cars. The average vehicle weighs 1.4 tons and has the power to kill when not driven responsibly – consider that each time you hand over the keys.

green buckle

Love Them? Make Sure They Buckle Up

Nearly 40% of teens admitted to driving or riding without a seat belt – even though 94% agreed that seat belts save lives1. Bring this up at the dinner table to find out where the disconnect is taking place. Is it because they don’t see their authority figures regularly buckling up? Is it because they feel pressured by peers not to buckle up? Is it because they believe myths like seat belts aren’t needed in the back seat, or on short trips? Debunk these thought processes with your teen and make sure they are wearing a seat belt every trip, every time.

person shown driving while texting

Set A Focused Example

Seventy percent of teens report that they have witnessed a parent text while driving1. If it’s okay for you to do it, of course your teens will think it’s okay for them to do it as well. Distractions while driving are more than just risky — they can be deadly. In 2018, among teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in the United States, almost 10% were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. Remind your teen about the dangers of texting, dialing, or using mobile apps while driving. Oh yeah, and it’s against the law.

Tennessee’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program is a multi-tiered program designed to ease young novice drivers into full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. Tennessee’s GDL Program places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have learner permits and driver licenses. The program requires parent/legal guardian involvement, and emphasizes the importance of a good driving record. Hover over the boxes to learn more about the restrictions for each type:

PERMIT
RESTRICTIONS: Accompanied by licensed driver 21 or older in front seat • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. • Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants and all passengers (child restraint devices for 8 and under) • All cell phone use (including texting) prohibited
Intermediate Restricted
RESTRICTIONS: One passenger in car* • No driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. • Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants and all passengers (child restraint devices for 8 and under) • All cell phone use (including texting) prohibited
Intermediate Unrestricted
RESTRICTIONS: Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants and all passengers (child restraint devices for 8 and under) • All cell phone use (including texting) prohibited
Class D
RESTRICTIONS: Seat belts mandatory for driver, front seat occupants and all passengers (child restraint devices for 8 and under) • Holding a cell phone or mobile device with any body part prohibited

1Data gathered from a study conducted by Research and Analysis of Media (RAM) which surveyed 202 teenagers residing in Tennessee that held either a driver’s license or learner’s permit.