Teaching kids about safe driving isn’t just a one-time talk—it’s a series of lessons that start long before they ever get behind the wheel. For Colorado parents, it’s especially important to prepare their teens for local driving challenges, including mountain roads and sudden weather shifts. Courtesy of your CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO, here are some ways to build solid habits that can keep them safer on the road.

Set a Good Example Early

Long before your child earns a permit, they’re watching how you drive. If you obey speed limits, stay off your phone, and handle traffic calmly, you’re showing them what responsible driving looks like. Kids pick up more than you might realize, so practicing patience and caution goes a long way.

Talk Openly About Risks

Make time to discuss common causes of accidents, like distracted or impaired driving. Explain why texting behind the wheel is so dangerous or how even a small amount of alcohol can slow reaction times. Instead of just giving rules, share real-life examples of crashes caused by risky choices—this helps underline the seriousness in a way they’ll remember.

Practice Defensive Driving Together

Once your teen has a learner’s permit, drive with them regularly in different conditions. Practice in rain, on highways, and even on rural or winding roads, which are common in Colorado. Talk through situations as they happen—how to anticipate what other drivers might do or why keeping a safe following distance matters.

Stay Involved After They’re Licensed

Your influence doesn’t end when your teen gets their license. Set clear rules, like limiting passengers for the first several months, and keep the conversation going about safety. Remind them that being a cautious driver is the best way to protect themselves and everyone else on the road.

Contact CO Insurance Specialist, serving Wheat Ridge, CO, to learn more.