For families across the country and right here on Long Island, back-to-school season means getting used to new classes, schedules, sports practices, after-school activities, and numerous other changes to their daily routine. But for countless teenagers, the start of a new academic year also means something much bigger: getting behind the wheel regularly for the first time.

Whether your teen just earned their license or has been driving solo for several months, handing over the keys comes with an understandable mix of excitement and worry. While their newfound independence can make life easier for everyone in your family, safely navigating Long Island’s notoriously busy roads requires experience they’re still developing.

According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of unintentional deaths for teens aged 16 to 17 in NY. The agency also reports that teen drivers are at fault in 78% of crashes resulting in incapacitating and fatal injuries, compared to 58% of drivers between the ages of 25 and 49.

So as we head into September, there’s never been a better time to talk with your teen about the risks and responsibilities that come with driving independently, as well as what to do if an accident does happen. 

Do you remember passing your own road test? At the time, you might’ve stressed out about completing specific maneuvers, like parallel parking or the 3-point turn. But while these skills are technically necessary to demonstrate competency behind the wheel, they’re only a small part of what it takes to become a safe, confident driver.

Passing a road test doesn’t give your teen the years of experience that seasoned drivers develop through countless commutes and errand runs. Knowing how to parallel park is one thing, but knowing how to anticipate another driver’s actions, recognize a developing hazard, safely navigate heavy traffic, or react appropriately when something unexpected happens is another.

This distinction matters. Per the New York State Department of Health, newly licensed teens face the greatest risk of a car crash during their first few months of unsupervised driving. And the risks don’t necessarily end with the driver.

Teen passengers between the ages of 16 and 20 are more likely to be seriously injured or killed when riding with a teen driver. Moreover, child passengers between the ages of 7 and 15 are twice as likely to be seriously injured or killed in a car crash when riding with a teenager.

Beyond just inexperience, several other factors can make young drivers even more vulnerable on the road, too.

Distracted Driving

According to data from the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, published in 2020, 39% of U.S. high school students who drove admitted to texting or emailing while driving at least once during the prior 30 days.

Unfortunately, cell phones aren’t the only distractions competing for your teen’s attention. Changing the radio, adjusting their GPS, eating, or even talking with friends in the car can pull their hands, eyes, or focus away from the road at critical moments. A 2012 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study even found that carrying three or more young passengers quadrupled a 16-year-old or 17-year-old driver’s risk of death per mile driven compared to driving alone.

That’s why it’s important for parents to set clear expectations around phone use and who’s allowed in the car before your teen begins driving regularly.

Speeding

Unsafe speed is the leading contributing factor of crashes resulting in incapacitating and fatal injuries for teens, per the New York State Department of Health. As you talk with your teen, remind them that speed limits aren’t suggestions; they’re the law. And arriving at school, work, practice, or even a get-together with friends a couple of minutes late is always a better option than putting themselves, or someone else, in danger.

Failing To Buckle Up

Seat belts should also be non-negotiable. New York actually became the first U.S. state to pass a mandatory seatbelt law in 1984, and since then, buckling up has remained one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious injury in automobiles. Yet, every day, teens choose not to wear their seatbelts, and the consequences can be catastrophic.

“Teen drivers and their passengers are over four times more likely to be diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, and more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a crash, if they are not properly restrained,” states the NYS Department of Health.

Parents can lead by example and make buckling up mandatory for everyone in the car.

Impaired Driving

In April 2026, ABC7NY sounded the alarm about the rising number of teen drivers being arrested for drunk driving on Long Island.

“Suffolk County is seeing a massive surge in underage DWI arrests: a 110% increase from 2023 to 2025. Over in Nassau, there has been a 13% increase from 2024 to 2025, according to newly released data from both police departments,” reported Krista McNally.

Those numbers are even more concerning when you consider just how dangerous impaired driving can be for an already inexperienced driver. The NYS Department of Health reports that teen drivers involved in impaired driving crashes are five times more likely to suffer from a fatal or severe injury than teens involved in crashes that didn’t involve impairment. They’re also four times more likely to not be wearing a seat belt.

For parents, conversations about driving while under the influence shouldn’t stop at telling your teen never to drink and drive. Make sure they understand the dangers of getting into the car with an impaired friend and know that they can always call you for a safe ride home, without fear of getting in trouble.

Fortunately, New York doesn’t just give teens unrestricted driving privileges all at once. Instead, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law is designed to help young drivers gain experience over time, with restrictions that change depending on their age, license type, and where they are getting behind the wheel.

For example, per the NYS DMV, a teen with a junior learner permit in Nassau or Suffolk County can only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. under the direct supervision of an eligible adult, like a parent, guardian, authorized supervising driver, or driver education teacher. And between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., junior permit holders cannot drive in either county, even with supervision.

These rules change once a teen earns their junior license, but Long Island junior licensees still face limits on when and why they can drive alone. That’s why parents must familiarize themselves with the restrictions that apply specifically to their teen’s permit or license before letting them drive anywhere, anytime.

Once your teen officially passes their road test, there’s another important step to take before they start driving themselves around town solo: making sure they’re properly insured.

In fact, parents shouldn’t necessarily wait until their child has a full license to contact their insurance company. According to Allstate, most insurers require parents to notify them once a teen receives their learner’s permit and begins supervised driving. And while many policies may extend coverage to permitted drivers, that extension usually stops as soon as your teen becomes fully licensed.



After that, any licensed teen living in your home will generally need to be listed on your policy, even if they don’t have a car of their own and plan to share a family vehicle. And failing to properly disclose a licensed household driver could potentially create future problems, such as claim denial or even policy cancellation.

It’s true that adding a young driver will likely increase your premiums, but don’t let cost be the only part of the insurance conversation you pay attention to. It’s also a good opportunity to sit down with your insurance company and determine whether your current coverage provides enough protection now that an inexperienced driver will be regularly getting behind the wheel.

Consider reviewing your bodily injury and property damage liability limits, collision and comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection to determine if any should be raised. Parents can also ask whether their insurer offers discounts for “good students” or defensive driving courses. Different insurance companies and policies have varying requirements, so check with your own insurer for eligibility.

The bottom line: don’t wait until after an accident to find out whether your teen was adequately insured. Contact your insurer before they start driving independently, make sure they’re properly listed on your policy, and understand exactly what coverage your family has (and if it still meets your needs).

No parent ever wants to receive the call that their child has been involved in a car crash. But even the safest young drivers can encounter circumstances beyond their control, which is why your teen should know what to do if they ever find themselves in that situation.

First, teach your teen to prioritize safety. They should call 911, report any injuries, and seek medical attention right away. If they can safely do so, they should also exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, take photos or videos of the accident scene and vehicles, and collect contact information from any witnesses.

Then, encourage your teen to call you as soon as possible so you can help them navigate what comes next. An accident involving a minor can quickly raise questions about medical treatment, insurance coverage, liability, and your child’s legal rights.

At Langella & Langella, we understand just how frightening this can be, so we’ll handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most: their recovery.

If your child is injured in a car accident on Long Island this year, allow us to help you navigate the road ahead. Contact us today for a Free Consultation at (631) 348-9500.