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Your teen will need a lot of help on the road to becoming a smart driver. What can you do? Be a good partner. Be a good role model. And get expert advice on what to practice with your teen – right here at nationwidesmartride.com.

Driving Risks

Driving is risky for everyone, but it can be downright dangerous for young drivers. What can you do? Learn the top risks and causes of crashes for teen drivers. Understanding the risks will help you understand where to put your focus – so you can help your teen become a smarter driver.

Top Ten Causes of Teen Crashes

• Inability to Maintain Attention
• Difficulty Adjusting Speed – for traffic/road conditions and curves
• Not Searching Ahead – before left turns, along roadsides, in the distance, to the car ahead and watching for left turning vehicles
• Not Searching to Side – especially in intersections
• Failure to Maintain Distance – including following distance and when crossing and entering
• Not Searching to the Rear – when slowing or backing
• Overreacting to Emergencies – swerving is the #1 issue
• Basic Control Problems – lane keeping is the #1 issue
• Traffic Controls – traffic lights, lane use, stop signs, passing
• Driver-Vehicle Issues – including fatigue and alcohol impairment

* James McKnight, 2003

Learn how teen brain development can affect teen accident rates.