Back to School Means Teen Drivers Are Back on the Road

School is back in session, and for families with teen drivers, that usually means more time on the road.

Driving to school. Heading to practice. Picking up friends. Going to an after-school job. For many teens, fall brings more independence and more opportunities to build good driving habits.

It also gives parents a good reason to revisit the rules of the road.

Traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens. Some of the biggest risks for young drivers include distracted driving, speeding, additional passengers, driving while tired, impaired driving and not wearing a seat belt.

A few rules worth repeating

Even if your teen has heard them before, these conversations matter:

• Put the phone away. Texts, notifications and navigation can all pull attention away from the road.
• Buckle up, every trip. That means everyone in the vehicle.
• Watch the passenger count. Friends can quickly become a distraction for an inexperienced driver.
• Slow down. Speed reduces reaction time and can make a bad situation much worse.
• Don’t drive tired. Early mornings, late practices and packed schedules can add up.
• Set the example. Teens notice how the adults around them drive, too.

And it’s not just about cars

E-bikes and electric scooters have become a bigger part of how teens get to school, work and activities.

That means the family safety conversation should include them, too.

Remind young riders to wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, stay visible, avoid distractions and never assume a driver sees them. Parents should also understand the rules for the type of e-bike or scooter their teen is using, because age requirements and other restrictions can vary.

In Ohio, for example, riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old, and helmets are required for both operators and passengers.

Whether your teen is behind the wheel or on two wheels, good habits matter.

Keep the conversation going

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18–24, 2026, making September a good time to start the conversation and revisit it again next month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers resources for parents and teens, including safe-driving tips, talking points and other tools families can use together.

Teen Driver Safety Resources:
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/teen-driver-safety

And one more reminder from your Camargo team: when a teen starts driving, make sure we know. Adding a young driver can affect your auto insurance, and we can help you understand your coverage and what to expect.

Safe driving starts with good habits. The earlier they become routine, the better.

Have questions about your coverage for any of these? Reach out to your Camargo Insurance agent — we're happy to walk through your policy.