According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a leading cause of death for U.S. youth ages 15-18 is automobile accidents. In 2023, there were 2,614 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver (15- to 18-year-old) driver, and 53% of those teen passenger vehicle drivers who died were unbuckled.

Bob Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., constantly reviews reports on auto accident claims. And as a parent, he’s concerned by the high number that involve teen drivers.

“While any claim has its own set of challenges, I find the (situations involving teens) to be of particular concern for two reasons: They impact our children, and they are preventable,” Brown said.

He encourages parents to talk to their children about the risks teen drivers face and the impact their choices can have. To keep teen drivers safer, he suggests parents consider the following:

• Be transparent about the impact an auto accident can have, not only on teen drivers but on friends and family as well. 
• Remind your child to always wear their seat belt. 
• Emphasize the risks and consequences of high-speed driving. 
• Stress that it is not only dangerous but also, in Virginia, illegal to use a smartphone while driving.

The NHTSA observes National Teen Driver Safety Week every October. The group reminds parents to talk to their teens about the importance of safe driving and encourage them to make the right choices. According to NHTSA, specific risk factors for teens behind the wheel include alcohol and drug use; not wearing a seat belt; distracted driving; additional passengers; speeding; and drowsy driving.

VFBMIC offers programs that reward teen drivers who avoid risky behaviors behind the wheel:

• Drive2Save is a discount program that rewards safe driving. Drive2Save relies on the Routely mobile app to detect and report distracted driving, high speed, sudden braking and other risky driving behaviors. Routely provides insight and helpful tips to improve driving habits. The program also can help enrolled drivers save up to 10%-30% on their auto insurance. 
• Smart Start is a teen driving program that provides helpful tips about Virginia driving laws and a review of safe driving habits, as well as a pledge to drive smart. Young drivers who complete the program can receive additional discounts on their auto policies.

Contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent or office to learn about program details and eligibility.