Watching your teen get behind the wheel for the first time brings a mix of pride and concern. Motor vehicle crashes, after all, remain the leading cause of death for teenagers, making this milestone one that deserves careful attention.
Understanding how to support your teen during this critical learning period can make a meaningful difference in their safety.
Where to start
Iowa’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) program provides a structured pathway for teen drivers to gain experience gradually. The program includes three stages: an instruction permit beginning at age 14, an intermediate license at 16 and a full license at 17. Each stage builds on the previous one, allowing teens to develop confidence under increasingly independent conditions.
Parents can maximize the benefit of this system by actively participating in supervised driving sessions and reinforcing the importance of adhering to each restriction.
High-risk driving behaviors that should have your attention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2,800 teens in the United States ages 13 to 19 were killed and about 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020.
There are several factors that increase crash risk for young drivers, such as:
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use remains one of the most dangerous distractions while operating a vehicle. Taking attention away from the road for even a few seconds can have serious consequences. Encourage your teen to put their phone away before starting the vehicle and consider using apps that prevent texting while driving.
- Seat belt use: Among teens ages 16 to 19 who were killed as passenger vehicle occupants in 2020, 56% were not wearing a seat belt. Make seat belts non-negotiable for everyone in the vehicle, every time.
- Nighttime driving: Visibility decreases after dark and fatigue becomes more common. When your teen first begins driving independently, encourage daytime trips and limit nighttime travel until they gain more experience to lessen the likelihood of a car accident happening.
Good instruction can help prevent your children from developing bad habits and become a better driver as they learn.
Practice supervised driving with your child
While Iowa requires a specific number of supervised practice hours, consider these opportunities for additional practice:
- Driving at various weather conditions including rain and light snow
- Driving at different times of day to experience varying traffic patterns
- Highway driving and rural roads
- Navigating parking lots and residential areas
- Backing up and parallel parking
The more diverse experiences your teen has while you are there to guide them, the better prepared they will be to handle unexpected situations independently.
Make an early investment
Preparing a responsible young driver takes time, patience and active involvement. Your role extends far beyond signing permission forms for a driver’s license. By engaging with your teen, you can create a foundation for their lifelong driving habits.
The investment you make now in teaching your teen to drive safely may prevent a tragedy. It also helps them understand that driving is a serious responsibility that deserves their full attention and best judgment every time they get behind the wheel.
If your teen was ever injured while driving, speaking with a legal counsel can help you know what your options are for compensation.