Teen Driver Safety Week: Tips for Parents and New Drivers

Every year, National Teen Driver Safety Week serves as an important reminder of how critical it is to educate young drivers on safe driving practices. At Sullivan Tire and Auto Service, we know that good habits behind the wheel start with proper guidance — and that vehicle maintenance plays a vital role in keeping teen drivers, their families, and their friends safe on the road.

In this guide, we’ll share driving safety tips for teens along with preventative maintenance advice to help ensure every ride is a safe one.

Defensive Driving Education for Teens

One of the best ways to set your teen up for success is by teaching defensive driving techniques. Encourage your teen to:

• Avoid distractions: Keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is essential. Cell phones are one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents among teens.
• Maintain a safe following distance: This allows extra reaction time in case of sudden stops.
• Adapt to weather conditions: Snow, ice, and rain in New England require slower speeds, longer braking distances, and extra caution.
• Obey all traffic laws: Reinforce the importance of respecting speed limits, stop signs, and signals. Reckless driving puts everyone at risk.

Setting Boundaries and Curfews

Parents and guardians play a key role in teen driver safety. Setting expectations can prevent risky behaviors. Examples include:

• Curfew hours: Restrict late-night driving when visibility is low and risks are higher.
• Passenger limits: Fewer passengers mean fewer distractions.
• Hands-free rules: Make it clear that phones and devices are off-limits while driving.
• Zero tolerance: Alcohol or drug use while driving is never acceptable.

Preventative Vehicle Maintenance for Teen Drivers

Just as important as driver education is ensuring the car itself is road-ready. Regular vehicle maintenance reduces the risk of accidents and breakdowns. Key areas to watch:

• Oil changes: Routine oil change service keeps the engine healthy and running smoothly.
• Tire care: Check tire tread depth and air pressure regularly. Good tires mean better grip, control, and braking power.
• Brake inspections: Schedule brake service and teach teens to recognize squealing or grinding as warning signs.
• Lights and signals: Make sure all lights are working for safe night and low-visibility driving.
• General check-ups: Book regular auto service appointments with a trusted mechanic to catch issues early.

Building Safe Habits Together

National Teen Driver Safety Week is a chance to focus on the shared responsibility we all have to protect new drivers. With the right driving education, clear boundaries, and consistent vehicle maintenance, teens can feel confident and parents can have peace of mind.

At Sullivan Tire, we’re committed to supporting families with reliable car care, preventative maintenance, and expert advice. Together, we can keep the next generation of drivers safe — not just this week, but every week.

Learn more about national teen driver safety from the NHTSA.