Supporting safer teen driving in Washington and Oregon | PEMCO

Learning to drive safely requires more than logging practice hours. The habits teens build early—and the guidance they receive along the way—can play an important role in helping them become safer, more confident drivers. For parents navigating this milestone, access to practical tools and coaching resources can make a meaningful difference.  

Why does this matter? Teen drivers face a higher crash risk than more experienced drivers, particularly early on when judgment and road awareness are still developing. During the summer months, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, those risks can increase as teens spend more time driving with friends, on unfamiliar roads, and changing conditions. 

The good news is that parents can make a meaningful difference. That’s why PEMCO is proud to support the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program in Washington and Learning to Drive in Oregon. These free resources are designed to help parents turn required practice hours into real-world skill building and safer long-term habits. 

Why the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program matters 

In Washington and Oregon, teen drivers must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice before earning their license. 

But those hours aren’t just a requirement; they’re an opportunity. 

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program in Washington and Learning to Drive in Oregon were developed by Safe Roads Alliance in partnership with the Washington State Department of Licensing and the Oregon Department of Transportation, giving parents and guardians a structured, step-by-step approach to helping teens learn to drive safely. 

Instead of leaving families to piece it together on their own, the programs offer practical tools and guidance, including: 

• A guided sequence of driving skills 
• Tools to track hours and progress 
• Coaching tips to support parents as teachers 
• A mobile app to log practice and build consistency 

Together, these resources help teens build confidence gradually while giving parents a clearer, more consistent role as coach and guide. 

Why PEMCO’s partnership makes sense 

At PEMCO, prevention isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we build into everything we do. 

We see firsthand how preventable many accidents are, especially with new drivers. And we know that early habits, repetition, and guidance are some of the most effective ways to reduce risk. 

That’s why supporting these teen driving programs in Washington and Oregon is a natural fit for PEMCO’s prevention-first approach and community impact work. 

Through this partnership, PEMCO supports: 

• Tools that help parents teach safe driving habits 
• Resources that encourage consistent, supervised practice 
• Programs that turn learning-to-drive into long-term behavior change 

Because the safest drivers aren’t just licensed, they’re prepared. 

What puts teen drivers at higher risk 

Experience matters behind the wheel, and for newer drivers, a few common factors can quickly raise risk: 

Distractions: Phones, music, stress, and fatigue can all pull attention away from the road. 

Passengers: For teen drivers, passengers can create distraction, noise, and social pressure. More passengers often means more risk. 

Inexperience: New drivers are still learning how to spot hazards, react quickly, and make confident decisions in unfamiliar situations. 

Unfamiliar situations: Nighttime driving and navigating new routes for the first time can pose new challenges. 

Before your teen’s next drive 

A few simple habits can make a real difference: 

• Limit passengers 
• Keep phones out of reach 
• Make seatbelts non-negotiable 
• Review the route ahead of time 
• Have a backup ride plan in place 

How parents can make the biggest difference 

The most important safety feature in a teen driver’s first year isn’t the car, it’s the adult in the passenger seat. Here's how to make that time count: 

Set clear expectations early 

Talk through rules around: 

• Passengers 
• Phone use 
• Curfew or night driving 
• What to do if something feels unsafe 

Clear expectations help teens make better decisions without hesitation. 

Practice more than just the basics 

Confidence doesn’t come from staying in familiar neighborhoods. 

Gradually introduce: 

• Multi-lane roads 
• Highway driving 
• Rural routes 
• Night and rainy conditions 

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program helps guide families through these scenarios step by step. 

Track progress. Build confidence. Drive safer. 

Consistency is one of the biggest factors in reducing risk. 

With tools like built-in driving logs and apps, like RoadReady for teens getting their permit, you can: 

• Track hours automatically 
• Build momentum with regular practice 
• See progress over time 

Model the behavior you expect 

Teens learn what they see. 

That means: 

• Put your own phone away 
• Stay calm and attentive 
• Talk through decisions as you drive 

Your habits become their habits. 

Create a “no questions asked” backup plan 

Let your teen know they always have a safe way out. 

If something feels off — whether it’s distraction, pressure, or impairment — they should feel confident calling you for a ride. 

That one conversation can prevent a high-risk situation. 

Keep learning: More ways to help your teen stay safer on the road 

Looking for more ways to build safer habits this summer? 

• Accident prevention: The 100 deadliest days for teens | PEMCO 
• Defensive driving tips to prevent distracted driving  
• Safe driving kits for teens: top 10 gifts I PEMCO  
• What you need to know about distracted driving | PEMCO  

👉 Explore more safe driving tips and prevention resources 

Prevention today, confidence tomorrow 

Learning to drive is more than passing a test; it’s about building the judgment, habits, and confidence needed to stay safer for years to come. 

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program in Washington and Learning to Drive in Oregon help families make the most of that learning window, and PEMCO is proud to support resources that encourage safer driving habits from the start. 

Because when teens are better prepared, they’re better equipped to drive safely and confidently.  

Questions about adding a new driver to your policy? 

Bringing a teen driver into your household comes with new considerations. 

A PEMCO agent can help you: 

• Understand coverage options 
• Explore safe driving programs 
• Find guidance personalized to your situation 

Connect with your local agent or call 1-800-GO-PEMCO to talk to a licensed agent about your options.