As summer ends and school routines return, more cars–and more teen drivers–hit the road. The back-to-school season brings unique driving risks, from crowded school zones to inexperienced drivers navigating morning traffic. For parents, that means now is the perfect time to revisit both driving safety tips and auto insurance discounts that can protect your family and your budget.
Why Back-to-School Season Is Riskier for Drivers
The start of the school year is one of the riskiest times on the road. According to safety experts, teen drivers are especially vulnerable due to their inexperience and increased exposure to new traffic patterns. Add in distracted driving, busy drop-off lanes, and unpredictable pedestrians, and the risks multiply. That’s why this season calls for extra caution and smarter planning.
Teen Driving Safety Tips Every Family Should Know
- Reinforce School Zone Awareness: Teens should understand how critical it is to slow down in school zones. Speeding tickets are expensive, but the bigger risk is harming a child or pedestrian.
- Ban the Distractions: Phones are the number one cause of distracted driving accidents among young drivers. Encourage your teen to put the phone away until the car is parked.
- Review School Bus Laws: Stopping for school buses with flashing lights isn’t optional—it’s the law. Make sure your teen knows the rules to avoid dangerous and costly mistakes.
- Set Boundaries: Limit the number of passengers your teen can drive with, especially during the school commute. Studies show that more passengers can lead to more distractions and higher accident rates.
Auto Insurance Discounts That Save Families Money
The good news? Families can often balance the cost of adding a teen driver by taking advantage of auto insurance discounts. MetzWood Insurance helps parents find savings such as:
- Good Student Discounts: Teens with strong grades may qualify for reduced premiums.
- Distant Student Discounts: If your child is away at college without regular car access, you could save significantly.
- Defensive Driving Discounts: Teens (and parents) who complete an approved course can earn lower rates.
- Bundling Policies: Combine auto and homeowners insurance to maximize savings across your household.
Helping Families Drive Safe & Save More
At MetzWood Insurance, we understand the challenges of having a teen driver on the road. Our team reviews your auto coverage to make sure your family is fully protected while also identifying every discount available. Ready to add a new policy, or review a current one? Click here to learn more about our auto coverage now.