When teens learn to drive, the majority of their lessons will come from their parents, which means Mom and Dad need to take the task seriously. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports motorists between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to get into accident than older drivers. Parents should instill safe driving habits in their youngsters as they teach the kids how to operate vehicles safely. Not only should they teach their teens about traffic rules and best practices, but they ought to focus on dangerous behaviors such as talking on a cellphone, texting and eating behind the wheel too.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently released a few guidelines for parents to follow when talking to their teens about safe driving. The association also included a contract for parents and teen drivers to sign together. It is available online and the rules are completely customizable, so parents can choose to instate rules about driving curfews, punishment for engaging in unsafe practices like texting, and always wearing a seat belt. Another important area of focus is having respect for other drivers as well as pedestrians when operating a car, truck or SUV.

"Respect for driving and common courtesy on the road show you care not only about your life, but also the lives of others," said Tyler Presnell, founder of the Tyler Presnell Foundation, which partnered with the NAIC to create the guidelines. "Individuals behind-the-wheel and passengers owe consideration to those around them."

In addition to learning the safest driving behaviors, youngsters will need reliable cars. Parents can bring their teens to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the perfect used car. Every model on the lot is backed by a CARFAX report, so parents and new drivers will know they're choosing a ride in good shape.