Auto accidents are the number one cause of death amongst teenagers today. So car safety is one of the most important things you can teach your teenage driver. Learning some rules of the road and other safety tips can save on insurance premiums, help avoid tickets, and even save lives.

Some teenagers are apt to take unnecessary risks while driving because they are inexperienced. Teach your children to keep a good handle over their emotions while keeping an eye out for the other cars on the road.

• Use turn signals for lane changes as well as turns
• Don�t weave in and out of traffic
• Avoid tailgating
• Check your pride at the door. Someone passing or following too closely isn�t necessarily out to offend you
• Slow down at yellow lights
• Be careful even through green lights. Watch out for drivers that may be turning in front of you or even running red lights
• Get out of the way of aggressive or erratic drivers
• Slow down in bad weather conditions

25 percent of all traffic accidents are caused by distractions according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Talking on the phone or changing music are two of the most common ways to distract teens. Even if their cellular phone has a hands-free device, urge your children to pull over before making or receiving calls. And, make sure to cap the number of passengers allowed in the car.

Set an example for your teens and emphasize the importance of seat belts. While most state laws require that anyone over the age of four wear a seat belt, not all do. So make sure your teen and all passengers buckle up before driving. Make sure that your teens understand the proper way to wear a safety belt, also. The lap belt should be secure across the pelvis and the shoulder belt should drape across the chest without too much slack.

Of course your teens shouldn�t be drinking at their age, but this problem cannot be ignored. Be sure to explain the consequences of drinking and driving to your children openly. This means avoiding riding with people who have been drinking as well. Sometimes it may be a good idea to tell your teen that they can call you for a �no consequences� ride home if it means avoiding a ride from a drunk friend. Remember to remind your teen of the legal consequences of driving even after one or two drinks. Even if your teen did not cause an accident they could still have their license suspended, receive jail time, have insurance premiums skyrocket, and incur thousands of dollars in fines.

A lot of drivers don�t follow the posted speed limit. And, speed can play a major role in your chances of surviving an accident. The NHTSA shows that for every 10 mph over 50 mph the chance of death or injury doubles. Even small accidents and tickets can cost hundreds of dollars in fines and even result in license suspension. So tell your children about the consequences of speeding.