Practical tips for setting boundaries, monitoring trips, and protecting your teen from preventable risks.
Spring Break is a time of excitement for teens—and a time of concern for their parents. If your child will be driving during their break, especially on long road trips, it’s normal to feel a knot of worry in your stomach.
At Scholle Law, we’ve helped many Georgia families after serious accidents involving young drivers—some of which could have been prevented with a simple conversation or clearer expectations. This guide offers practical, real-world advice to help you set smart rules and reduce the chances of a Spring Break disaster.
🚗 Why Parents Worry During Spring Break
Teen drivers already face a higher risk of crashes. During Spring Break, that risk increases due to several factors:
- Longer drive times and unfamiliar roads. Your teen may be traveling longer distances than they’re used to—sometimes with limited experience on highways or unfamiliar terrain.
- Distractions from passengers and phones. A car full of friends can lead to loud music, chaotic conversation, and temptation to glance at the phone. These are all proven contributors to distracted driving.
- Fatigue and late-night driving. Many Spring Break activities involve staying out late. Fatigue behind the wheel can impair judgment and reaction time just like alcohol does.
Your concerns aren’t overprotective—they’re valid. And preparing your teen now can help them stay safe on the road, no matter where they’re headed.
✅ 7 Smart Driving Rules for Teen Drivers During Spring Break
Setting clear expectations isn’t just about control—it’s about care. These rules are designed to protect your teen, give them structure, and give you peace of mind.
1. 📵 No Phones While Driving
Make it clear: the phone stays out of their hands unless the car is parked. Even hands-free texting or glancing at a notification can lead to a serious collision.
Use tech to your advantage. Apps like Life360, Apple Focus Mode, or Android’s driving mode can silence notifications automatically while the car is moving.
2. 🚫 No Driving After 10 p.m.
Late-night driving is a leading risk factor for teen crashes. Visibility is reduced, drivers are more fatigued, and there’s a higher chance of encountering impaired drivers.
Setting a firm curfew helps limit exposure to these dangers. It also gives your teen a built-in reason to say no to peer pressure when friends want to stay out later.
3. 👥 Limit the Number of Passengers
More passengers equal more distractions—period. With each added friend, the risk of your teen becoming distracted or showing off increases.
Georgia’s graduated driver licensing laws limit the number of non-family passengers for a reason. Following or exceeding those limits can help keep your teen focused.
4. 📍 Require Location Sharing
This isn’t about spying—it’s about safety. If your teen is taking a long trip or visiting new areas, location sharing gives you peace of mind in case of emergency.
Let them know you won’t micromanage their movements. But if something goes wrong, knowing where they are could save time and provide critical help.
5. ⛽ Perform a Pre-Trip Car Check Together
Before your teen leaves town, walk through a basic vehicle safety checklist. This builds responsibility and ensures the vehicle is road-ready.
Have them check:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Brake function
- Oil level and other fluids
- Wipers and washer fluid
- Lights, turn signals, and emergency kit
They’ll feel more confident—and you’ll feel better knowing the basics have been covered.
6. ⛔ No Highway Driving Without Permission
If your teen hasn’t logged enough experience at highway speeds, consider limiting their use of interstates and major highways.
Highway driving comes with higher speeds, more lane changes, and less margin for error. Requiring permission gives you the chance to assess the risk based on the route and time of day.
7. 🚨 Discuss What to Do If They’re in an Accident
This conversation can be uncomfortable—but it’s vital. If your teen knows how to react calmly in a crash, they’ll protect their safety, preserve evidence, and avoid making costly mistakes.
Explain how to:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Take photos of the scene and damage
- Exchange information (but avoid admitting fault)
- Contact you immediately before speaking to insurers
You can also give them a printed crash checklist to keep in the glovebox. Scholle Law provides these to clients for free.
❤️ Structure Builds Safety—and Confidence
Teens want independence—but they still need boundaries. Setting clear, calm, and consistent rules ahead of Spring Break helps them drive smarter, make better choices, and know that you care.
We suggest sitting down together and creating a written Spring Break Driving Agreement. This document should outline your expectations, their responsibilities, and what happens if the rules are broken.
When teens are part of the conversation, they’re more likely to follow through.
🧭 If Something Goes Wrong—You’re Not Alone
Even if your teen follows every rule, accidents still happen. Other drivers may be reckless, distracted, or impaired. If your child is involved in a crash and they’re not at fault, they deserve support.
At Scholle Law, we help families:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Communicate with insurance companies
- File claims for medical bills, pain, and property damage
- Protect their legal rights from the start
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to lift the burden and walk you through every step with care and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I monitor my teen’s driving without being overbearing?
Use apps like Life360, Find My iPhone, or carrier tools to stay informed without constant check-ins. Be open about why you’re using them—it’s about safety and staying connected, not control.
What if my teen gets into a crash but isn’t hurt—do we still need a lawyer?
Yes. Injuries can appear later, and insurance companies may try to place partial blame. Talking to a lawyer early helps protect your teen’s rights, even in minor accidents.
Can I be held liable if my teen causes an accident?
In some cases, yes. Georgia law allows parents to be financially responsible under certain conditions. That’s why setting rules, monitoring behavior, and staying involved are all essential.
How do I talk to my teen about driving safety without scaring them?
Be honest, but calm. Use real-world stories, explain risks, and position rules as a way to keep their freedom intact—not take it away.
📞 Reach Out Today for Support or a Free Case Review
Whether you’re preparing your teen for Spring Break or responding to an accident that’s already happened, Scholle Law is here to help.
📲 Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to get answers, download resources, or schedule your free consultation.
We treat your family like our own—because that’s what you deserve.