Making your teen a safer driver requires a commitment from both driver and parents.

What do you remember most about the first time you drove?

For me, the most important memory was the strong words of caution from my father. As I reached to turn the ignition, he stopped me and stated:

"A car is like a loaded rifle. When you start it, it's like removing the safety and putting your finger on the trigger. Use it the wrong way, and you can hurt people."

Strong words—but also very true words—and maybe the words of a man fearing for his life.

The reality justified his caution. Here are some sobering facts about teen drivers:

• The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-19-year-olds than among any other age group, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
• That same group of drivers is at the highest risk of deadly car accidents.
• The youngest drivers, those 16-17 years old, have a fatal crash rate per mile nearly double that of 18-19-year-olds says the CDC.

Fulltime Parent. Part-Time Driving Instructor.

Now that my 15-year-old son has obtained his learning permit, I find myself back where I started, this time in the passenger seat.

As my son prepared to start the car for the first time, I quickly understood that my dad was right, a car can be just as deadly as a loaded gun. And I also quickly understood that yes, my father was fearing for his life when he gave me such sage advice.

The moment also revealed my stunning level of ignorance. I didn't really know the best way to teach him how to be a better—and more importantly SAFER driver.

After some research, I found lots of information and resources to help make me a better driving instructor. As such, I would also be making my teen driver a safer driver.

I then thought other parents probably would want help becoming driving instructors.

As a result, we've put together this three-part series on teen driving. We hope you find the information useful and beneficial.