For Parents

Most of the following information is provided by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. You may view more information on their website HERE.

Traffic Crashes — The Second Leading Cause of Death for Minnesota Teens

Traffic crashes are the second leading cause of teen deaths in Minnesota. Each year, more than 30 teens (ages 16–19) are killed on Minnesota roads. The leading cause of teen deaths is suicide.  
Teens are at greatest risk on the road due to inexperience, risk-taking behind the wheel, speeding, and distracted driving. Teens also have the lowest seat belt use rate of all age groups.  
 
Is Your Teen Ready for the Road?
​It takes a commitment by parents and many hours to prepare teen drivers to get behind the wheel. But that doesn’t end when a teen gets their license. A common mistake of parents is thinking their teen is ready for the road as soon as they pass the road test. 

For example, teens shouldn't be driving alone the first time they hit the road when it snows. Parents should practice with their teens in different types of scenarios before their teen hits the road solo. 

In this video, Gordy Pehrson walks parents and teens through some tips on how you can help your teen driver be better behind the wheel.
 

 

At Headwaters Driving School we believe a teen driver can be a responsible driver. The goal for Headwaters is driver intelligence — assessing everything you see, having critical skills, and being able to react. For many driving schools the ultimate goal is to obtain your license. With Headwaters that is just the beginning as we want our drivers to have a lifetime of safe driving.

    Teen Crashes Have Predictable and Preventable Patterns:

    • They are prone to making simple driving errors, often while speeding.
    • They are twice as likely to crash at night.
    • Crashes while driving to and from school, especially after school, and with other teens in the car is common.
    • Teen passengers increase distractions and promote risk-taking behaviors.

    Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers

    Train and Monitor Teens' Driving, and Establish Rules

    Parents need to train their teens on a variety of road types and different conditions (nighttime, rain, snow). The more supervised experience, the safer the teen driver. Continue to monitor and train teens during the period of greatest crash risk — the first six to 12 months after licensure.
    To minimize the risks of crashes, injuries and death, talk with your teen and establish clear and reasonable driving rules that favor safety over convenience. Follow through with consequences.
    • Encourage teens to speak up when they don't feel safe when driving or riding with others.
    • Agree to provide a safe ride for teens anytime it's needed. 

     

    Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers — Laws, FAQs, and Tips

    • Train teen on a variety of road types (urban, rural) and in different conditions (nighttime, rain, snow).
    • Continue to monitor and train teens during the period of greatest crash risk — the first six to 12 months after licensure.
    • FAQs — answers for parents and teens 

     

    Resources for Parents of Teen Drivers

     

    Teen License Parent Withdrawal Form

    The Teen License Parent Withdrawal Form is available for parents to cancel the driving privileges of their teen's driver's license (under age 18).