Driving tech is helping parents raise safer teen drivers--here's how it works
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 24, 2025 ~ As the parent of a teenager, handing over the car keys can feel like handing over your heart, wrapped in steel and rolling at 60 miles per hour. This sentiment is shared by many nervous parents who ride as passengers with their kids, as revealed in the latest Driving Behaviors Survey from Nationwide. The survey found that less than half of parents (42%) rate their teen's driving as "very good" or "excellent."

However, there is good news for these worried parents. The survey also showed that today's parents are becoming more proactive in helping their kids become better drivers and are better equipped to take action.

The top worries for parents when it comes to their teen's driving are all too familiar and frightening: driving in poor weather (52%), distracted driving (42%), and speeding or reckless behavior (36%). These concerns are not unfounded, as nearly one in four parents report that their teen uses social media or gets themselves ready while driving. Some even admit that their teens engage in risky behaviors such as texting (23%) or watching videos (18%) behind the wheel – behaviors that greatly increase the risk of a crash.

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But safety starts at home, and the survey shows that 95% of parents talk to their teens about safe driving at least once a month. When these conversations are paired with real-time insights and incentives, they become even more powerful.

One tool that is gaining popularity among families is dashcams. While only 26% of teens currently use them, a whopping 96% of parents believe they are valuable for promoting accountability. As comfort with AI-enabled monitoring grows, families are embracing a future where technology supports – not replaces – good judgment.

Nationwide offers programs like SmartRide and Focused Driving Rewards to help families use technology to support safer teen driving habits. SmartRide tracks behaviors such as hard braking, speeding, and phone use and provides real-time feedback. It can also lead to insurance premium discounts for safe habits. The goal is to help teens learn from their driving experiences and develop safer habits over time.

Focused Driving Rewards, a newer initiative, is open to all drivers – not just Nationwide customers. It aims to reduce phone-related distractions and rewards safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers.

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The survey also revealed that 70% of all consumers would consider joining a rewards-based driving program, with half (50%) citing saving money on insurance as their top motivator. For parents, the emotional stakes are higher – 44% say their primary reason is to improve their teen's safety. In fact, 82% of parents say they would be likely to enroll their teens in a program that rewards safe driving behavior.

While there will always be risks associated with teen driving, today's families have more tools, data, and ways to stay connected than ever before. By combining open communication with smart technology, parents can shift from fear to confidence – one safe mile at a time.

According to Casey Kempton, President of P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide, this is not just about technology. It's about creating a culture of accountability and shared responsibility on the road.

For parents who want to help their teen become a safer driver, Nationwide offers various driving tools and resources that can be explored on their website. With the right combination of communication and technology, parents can help their teens develop good driving habits and ensure safer roads for everyone.
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