Young drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviour which can be deadly. According to an LSAC study (2016), 80% of teenagers (16-17 years) engage in risky behaviour. This includes many things that are reckless and illegal, including phone use and speeding. Speeding is the biggest killer amongst young people, yet so many people do it. 45% of all young Australian injury or deaths are due to road traffic crashes (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007). Young drivers (17-25 years) represent ¼ of all Australian road deaths but are only 10-15% of the licensed driver population (Road and Traffic Authority, 2007).

These statistics shouldn’t deter you from teaching your teen to drive but should help you and your teen understand the importance of responsible driving.

There are a few things you and your teen need to be aware of when it comes to solo driving.

Nighttime driving is the most dangerous time for teens to drive due to inexperience. You need to practice, and it is recommended that you complete more nighttime driving than required to get your license. Before and after school is also a risky time of day to be driving for new drivers. Teens may be fatigued after school or be in a hurry to get to school on time. It’s important that teens adhere to speed limits, and do not rush; it is better to arrive alive, than not at all

Other things you need to be wary about include the number of passengers your teen takes in their vehicle. Teens are 4-5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash when they have 2 or more peer-aged passengers. As mentioned above, having peers in the car encourages teens to engage in risky behaviour such as speeding, as they may want to show off to friends or get to places faster.

You also need to stress the importance of road rules – such as seatbelts, no phone use while driving, and not drinking and driving.  Participating in any of these can be dangerous and may cause an accident, leading to serious injury or death.

Finally, it is important to teach your teen about driving while under the influence. Teens are not used to having to handle themselves when driving a car. Additionally they are not used to the effects of drinking. Driving while under the influence can result in fatality.

It is important to make it clear to a teen that it is illegal to drive while texting. It is illegal to drive while creating or reading a text. Any phone use must be with a hands free device. In 2010 a survey from the AAMI Young Driver's Safety Index found that 61% of young drivers (between the age of 18 and 24) had reported sending a text. As we already have shown, young drivers are in the highest age group for crash risk. Sending a text can increase this risk as the drivers will be taking their eyes off the road. Teach your child that any text can wait.

Here you can find more information about Offences and Penalties whilst Driving in South Australia

Insurance - Every vehicle needs some sort of Insurance. You cannot drive without it. It will cover you, as the driver, both vehicles and any further injuries that may have occurred due to the accident. The cost of insurance is dependent on the age and experience of the driver. For teens, you can also add them to a parent’s policy – be weary though, this may increase your rate.

Registration - is another ongoing cost of owning a car, and legally a vehicle cannot be on the road without it. In South Australia, registering your vehicle also includes a third-party insurance, which only covers injuries due to an accident.

Car Servicing - Did you know you need to do an oil and filter change on your vehicle every 6 months? An ongoing upkeep of your vehicle is to get it serviced, and you need to stress the importance of this to your teen. Teach them about filling the tank, keeping fluid levels full of engine oil and coolant, and the regular service of your car.

Remember – safe and responsible driving is more than just steering the car.