January is Teen Driving Awareness Month—and even though the calendar is nearly turned, the message is still right on time. Teen drivers face unique risks on the road, and building safe driving habits early can make a lifelong difference.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, aunt, uncle, or grandparent, this month is a good reminder to check in with the teenagers in your life about driver safety. These conversations matter. While teen drivers make up just about 5% of licensed drivers, they are involved in more than 12% of all motor vehicle crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That gap highlights how critical education, experience, and guidance are during these early driving years.
Why Teen Drivers Are at Higher Risk
Teen drivers are still learning—not just the rules of the road, but how to anticipate hazards and respond calmly under pressure. Some of the most common risk factors include:
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Distracted driving, especially cell phone use
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Speeding
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Nighttime driving
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Driving with peer passengers
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Limited experience in poor weather or heavy traffic
Here in Northern California, teens also contend with winding rural roads, coastal fog, winter rain, and wildfire-related visibility challenges—conditions that demand extra awareness and caution.
How Adults Can Help
You don’t need to be a professional driving instructor to make a difference. A few intentional steps can go a long way:
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Talk openly about real-life driving situations—not just rules
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Model good driving habits (teens notice more than we think)
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Set clear expectations around phones, passengers, and nighttime driving
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Practice together in different conditions, like rain or highway traffic
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Encourage honesty if they ever feel unsafe behind the wheel or riding with others
Insurance as a Teaching Tool
Insurance is often one of the first “adult” responsibilities teens encounter, and it can be a helpful way to reinforce accountability. Understanding how accidents affect premiums—and how safe driving can help keep costs down—connects daily choices to long-term consequences.
At Barber Insurance Agency, we work with many local families navigating teen driving for the first time. We’re always happy to review coverage options, explain discounts for safe driving, and help you choose protection that fits your family’s needs.
It’s Not Too Late
Teen Driving Awareness Month may be ending, but safe driving conversations shouldn’t. A simple check-in today could help prevent a life-changing accident tomorrow.
If you have questions about adding a teen driver to your policy—or want guidance on encouraging safer habits—our team is here to help.