Ah, the teen years – a blinding whirlwind of excitement and confusion. Then one day, the liberating jingle of car keys comes to the rescue. But this newfound freedom doesn’t come without a price. According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teens, attributed mostly to their sheer lack of experience.

There is good news, however. Parents play a key role in instilling safe driving habits in their teens. Here’s a look at the most powerful things a parent can do to help their new driver navigate these years successfully.

Lead By Example – Your teen has been watching your driving habits since the day you first brought them home in a car seat. The more you use this time as a learning experience the better.

Ride Shotgun Instead – Going to the grocery store? Let them drive. These short drives will build their confidence while still being protected. The more diverse the driving conditions, the more experience they will get.

Establish Rules & Expectations – By establishing very clear, fair rules on when and where teens can drive, parents can greatly reduce their teen’s risk of both accidents and tickets. But it’s important you do it together. It’s not about control, it’s about safety.

Put It In Writing – A contract is the best way to be 100% clear about expectations and what happens when they are broken. Use this opportunity to sit down with your teen and work out the details together.

While this time can be stressful, it’s also one of the most exciting times for you and your teen. Besides, if you do end up having to revoke their driving privileges, chances are they still remember how to ride a bike.