For parents of teen drivers, handing over the keys for the firsttime can be difficult. New drivers' inexperience, winter weatherconditions, and other factors can put parents on edge while theirkids are out on the road. It is important for parents to talk aboutsafety with their teen drivers, but sometimes these conversationscan be tense, awkward and combative.

With this in mind, Travelers, partnering with experts from theVirginia Tech Transportation Institute, developed a how-todiscussion guide for parents. Providing tips for navigating therules of the road, the “Let's Talk Safety” guide helps parents reachout to teen drivers in a positive, effective way.

Agents can recommend this tool for clients with childrenwho are new to the road. Click through the following slides forsome of the key findings from Travelers' “Let's Talk Safety,” tohelp promote conversation between parents and teens and ultimatelykeep the roads safe for everyone.

Parents as Role Models

The phrase “Monkey see, monkey do” applies when it comes to safedriving practices. Parents' own driving behavior influences the waytheir teens act behind the wheel.

According to the survey, teens that classify their parents asbad driving role models are more than twice as likely to beinvolved in a car accident.

Twenty-four percent of teens that report that their parents arenot good driving role models have been in more than one accident asa driver. For those who say that their parents have set a goodexample, this number falls to 10%.

Similarly, teens are more likely to be issued a ticket if theydo not consider their parents' driving habits safe.

As role models for their children, parents need to set anexample for their children and practice safe driving behavior. Itis important to follow the rules of the road all of the time, butespecially when children are in the car. Being mindful of speedlimits, traffic signs, and eliminating any driving distractions canhelp parents provide a model of good driving behavior.

Disconnect Over Top Driving Concerns

But when it comes to talking to teens about safe driving, theyhave some other concerns that parents may not expect. Parents, too,have their own list of potential driving risks that they want toaddress. It is important for parents and teens to dialogue abouttheir own biggest concerns.

Among the largest disconnects over driving concernsinclude:

• Driving Under the Influence. While 66% ofteens find driving under the influence of alcohol to be a majorconcern, only 14% of parents are concerned about this risk.
• Distracted Driving. Being distracted by amobile device or smartphone is a concern for 56% of teens versus35% of parents.
• Being Alert on the Road. 52% of teens areconcerned about staying aware of other drivers on the road, while31% of parents have this concern.

Having “The Talk”

There is a bit of discrepancy between parents and teen driversconcerning “the talk” about safe driving. 98% of parents claim thatthey have had conversations with their children about safe drivingpractices, while only 96% of teens report having thesediscussions.

Parents should strive to talk to their kids about staying safeon the roads. Research shows that earlier is better. Younger teensare more receptive to safe driving conversations with theirparents. While 67% of 16-year-olds want to talk to their parentsabout safe driving habits, only 29% of 18-year-olds want to havethis discussion.

But it is often up to parents to get their teens talking. Of the67% of teens who want to have a discussion, half are waiting fortheir parents to initiate the conversation.

Agents can help parents prepare for this important conversation.By using “Let's Talk Safety” as a tool, discussions among parentsand teens about safe driving habits can be more effective andprevent incidents on the road.