🚗 Michigan Teen Driver Safety: What Parents Should Know
Teen drivers in Michigan face high risks on the road, but with the right guidance, education, and support, parents can make a major difference. From state licensing laws to proven safety tips, here’s what every Michigan parent should know about keeping teen drivers safe.
📋 Teen Driver Education Requirements in Michigan
Michigan requires teens to complete a two-part driver education course before receiving a full license:
- Segment 1: At least 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, and 4 hours of observation time.
- Segment 2: At least 6 additional hours of instruction focused on defensive driving and crash risk awareness.
For more information on teen driver’s license requirements, click the link to see the steps for Michigan teen driver’s license requirements. You can find certified driver education instructors at the Michigan Secretary of State TAP Portal.
📉 Teen Crash & Seatbelt Statistics
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers.
- 41% of fatal teen crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Over 65% of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
- Teens aged 15–20 make up just 6.7% of U.S. drivers but are involved in 14% of all fatal crashes.
👨👩👧 How Parents Can Help Teens Drive Safely
- Set clear safety rules, and explain why each rule exists.
- Lead by example: Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws.
- Reward safe driving with increased privileges (such as extended curfew).
- Be a source of support, not just enforcement. Teens should feel safe calling you if they need a ride.
- Provide alternatives to unsafe situations (e.g., rideshare, friend pickups).
📝 Download the Teen Driver Safety Checklist
We created a free printable checklist for Michigan families to help reinforce key safety habits at home. It’s a great tool to post on the fridge or review together:
📄 Download the Teen Safety Checklist (PDF)
🎓 Teen Insurance Discounts & Safe Driving Programs
Insurance for teen drivers can be costly—but there are ways to reduce rates:
- Most insurers offer a Good Student Discount for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Safe driving programs like State Farm’s Steer Clear® can qualify teens for additional discounts.
- Taking certified driver education may reduce premium rates with some carriers.
- Avoid high-performance or luxury cars for your teen; these typically carry higher premiums.
🚦 Final Thoughts: Safety Starts at Home
Your involvement is one of the most powerful tools to keep your teen driver safe. Set the tone early, communicate often, and reinforce safety through everyday actions. Together, we can help make Michigan roads safer for everyone.