With 2,320 people killed in US crashes involving drivers aged 15–18 in 2024, HeyPolo shares 5 practical ways parents can help their teenagers build safer driving habits.

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Getting a driver’s licence is a major milestone for teenagers and an adjustment for parents. Passing the test is only the beginning of learning to drive safely.

For National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18–24, family safety app HeyPolo is sharing 5 practical ways parents can help teenagers build safer driving habits as they gain independence.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the US in 2024:

• 2,320 people were killed in crashes involving drivers aged 15–18.

• 752 drivers aged 15–18 died in traffic crashes.

• 33% of passenger-vehicle drivers aged 15–18 involved in fatal crashes were speeding.

• 85,947 drivers aged 15–18 were injured in traffic crashes.

Sources: NHTSA teen driver safety facts and NHTSA speeding statistics.

Five ways parents can support safer teen driving

1. Keep practising together. Continue supervised practice after your teenager passes their test, gradually building experience on unfamiliar roads and in different traffic and weather conditions.

2. Agree on distractions before they drive. Set clear expectations around phone use and passengers, and make sure teenagers understand their state’s restrictions for new drivers.

3. Review driving habits together each week. Use HeyPolo’s Driving Safety Score to talk with your teenager about speeding, phone use, harsh braking and other driving behaviours. Discuss what went well and agree on one habit to work on the following week.

4. Recognise progress, not just mistakes. Acknowledge improvements and good decisions behind the wheel. Keep conversations encouraging so your teenager feels comfortable discussing difficult journeys or asking for help.

5. Lead by example.  Model the habits you want your teenager to develop.

Using driving insights to start the conversation

HeyPolo’s Driving Safety Score provides insights into  speeding, phone use, harsh braking, rapid acceleration and cornering. Parents and teenagers can review these together to identify habits to work on and set shared goals.

HeyPolo also offers crash detection, location sharing and arrival alerts. Families can agree on how and when to share their location as teenagers become more independent.

Parents can download HeyPolo at heypolo.com. Free teen-driving guidance is also available through the National Safety Council’s DriveitHOME resources at nsc.org/NTDSW.

About HeyPolo

HeyPolo is a privacy-first family safety app built by the team behind Surfshark. With features including location sharing, arrival alerts, Driving Safety Scores and crash detection, HeyPolo helps families stay connected while respecting their independence.

Website: heypolo.com

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SOURCE HeyPolo