The Ultimate Guide to Teen Driver Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone for teens, but it’s also one of the riskiest times in their lives. According to the CDC, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than older drivers due to inexperience and riskier driving behaviors.

As a parent, you play a critical role in helping your teen become a safe, responsible driver. From understanding Georgia’s driving laws to teaching defensive driving skills, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your teen safe on the road.

At Kennesaw Driving School, we specialize in helping new drivers in Kennesaw and Canton, GA, develop the skills and confidence they need to drive safely. Let’s dive into the must-know safety tips for teen drivers and parents.

Why Teen Driver Safety Matters

Teen driving accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States. Why?

• Inexperience: New drivers lack the judgment and reaction time of seasoned drivers.

• Distractions: Smartphones, passengers, and in-car technology increase crash risks.

• Speeding: Many teens underestimate the dangers of high-speed driving.

• Risky Behaviors: Lack of seatbelt use, impaired driving, and reckless maneuvers are common issues.

Understanding these risks is the first step in preventing them.

Georgia’s Driving Laws for Teens (Joshua’s Law & GDL System)

Georgia has a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program to help teen drivers gain experience gradually while limiting high-risk situations.

Step 1: Learner’s Permit (Age 15+)

✔ Must pass a written test.
✔ Can only drive with a licensed adult (21+) in the passenger seat.
✔ Required to complete 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night) before moving to the next phase.

Step 2: Intermediate License (Age 16-17)

✔ Must complete a state-approved Driver’s Education course (Joshua’s Law).
✔ Cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM.
✔ Passenger restrictions:

• First 6 months: No passengers except immediate family.

• After 6 months: One passenger under 21 allowed.

• After 12 months: Up to three passengers under 21 allowed.

Step 3: Full License (Age 18+)

✔ No driving restrictions.
✔ Must have a clean driving record for 12 months before obtaining a full license.

💡 Pro Tip: Many parents don’t realize that Joshua’s Law requires teens to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction & 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training before getting a driver’s license at 16 or 17.

Top 10 Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

Teaching your teen safe driving habits from the start can prevent accidents and build lifelong skills.

1. Minimize Distractions (No Phones!)

📵 Texting & driving increases crash risks by 23 times!
✔ Use hands-free mode or put the phone away while driving.
✔ Teach teens to set their GPS and music before driving.

💡 Georgia’s Hands-Free Law prohibits holding a phone while driving—this includes texting, calling, and watching videos.

2. Always Wear a Seatbelt

🚗 More than 50% of teen crash fatalities involve drivers NOT wearing seatbelts.
✔ Parents should lead by example and always buckle up.
✔ Make seatbelt use a non-negotiable rule.

3. Avoid Driving at Night

🌙 40% of fatal teen accidents occur at night.
✔ Limit nighttime driving until your teen gains more experience.
✔ Teach them how to use headlights properly and adjust to low visibility.

4. Teach Defensive Driving

🚗 Defensive driving helps teens anticipate and avoid accidents.
✔ Keep a 3-second following distance (increase in bad weather).
✔ Watch for erratic drivers and avoid aggressive behaviors.
✔ Look ahead—don’t just focus on the car in front of you.

💡 Enroll your teen in a Defensive Driving Course for hands-on training.

5. Understand Speed Limits & Road Signs

⚠️ Speeding is a factor in one-third of fatal teen crashes.
✔ Make sure your teen knows all road signs & markings.
✔ Explain that speed limits change based on conditions.
✔ Teach them to slow down in school zones, neighborhoods, and bad weather.

💡 Georgia’s Super Speeder Law adds a $200 fine for driving 75+ mph on a 2-lane road or 85+ mph on a highway.

6. Limit Passengers

👥 Having passengers increases a teen’s crash risk by 44%.
✔ Georgia restricts passengers for new drivers—follow the rules!
✔ Encourage solo driving or driving with only one responsible passenger.

7. Teach Emergency Preparedness

🆘 Teens should know how to handle common emergencies, like:
✔ Flat tire: How to change it or call for roadside assistance.
✔ Dead battery: How to jump-start a car safely.
✔ Brake failure: What to do if brakes stop working.
✔ Car accident: Steps to take after a crash.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a roadside emergency kit in your teen’s car.

8. Avoid Driving Under the Influence (Zero Tolerance Law)

🚫 Even one drink can impair driving.
✔ Make sure your teen knows Georgia’s Zero Tolerance Law (0.02% BAC limit for under 21).
✔ Create a safety plan—let them know they can call you for a ride, no questions asked.

9. Teach Safe Parking & Reverse Driving

🚘 Many teen accidents happen in parking lots.
✔ Teach them how to properly park, including parallel parking.
✔ Make sure they check blind spots when reversing.
✔ Encourage slow, controlled movements in parking lots.

10. Set Rules & Enforce Them

🚦 Make driving safety a family conversation.
✔ Set clear rules & consequences for unsafe driving.
✔ Use a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to establish expectations.
✔ Praise good driving habits—positive reinforcement goes a long way!

💡 Pro Tip: Apps like Life360 can help parents monitor teen driving habits without being intrusive.

How Kennesaw Driving School Can Help

At Kennesaw Driving School, we’re committed to helping parents and teens navigate this exciting (but nerve-wracking) time. We offer:
✅ State-Approved Driver’s Education (Joshua’s Law Courses)
✅ Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons with certified instructors
✅ Defensive Driving Courses to build safe driving skills
✅ Road Test Preparation to help teens pass their driving test on the first try

🚗 Ready to enroll your teen in driver’s education? Contact us today to book a lesson and start their driving journey the right way!