The freedom that comes with driving is exciting for teenage drivers, but for parents, teaching a teen driver can be downright scary.

The journal Pediatrics^® reported on a national study of the effects of parenting styles on young driver behavior that found teens with “authoritative” parents reported one-half the crash risk of teens that had uninvolved parents . The study concludes that parents should set rules and monitor teens’ driving in a supportive way.

Farm Bureau Financial Services created the Driveology™ program to help parents start the conversation with their teen drivers about safe driving. Completion of the program helps lower the cost of insurance for young drivers, because they’ll be eligible for the Driven to Safety Discount.

It’s OK to be authoritative in your instruction. Check out the tips below for ways to teach your teen driver, and then visit the Driveology™ site to learn more about the program and discounts:

1. Lead by example: Talk about what it is like to be a driver while you are driving. Pointing out traffic laws, road signs, and obstacles and how to handle them help get the conversation started.

2. Be calm and collected: Let your teen driver know you’re always open for questions, and be straightforward when answering. Keep a cool head and practice patience.

3. Set ground rules: Clearly detail consequences for breaking rules and then enforce. Check out the Safe Driver Pledge and go over it with your teen. Don’t forget to include rewards — let your teen know that as his/her experience increases, so will driving privileges.

4. Be a smart role model: Young drivers spend lots of time in the car with their parents. So be sure to wear your seatbelt, always drive sober, follow traffic laws and avoid driving distractions such as cell phones.

5. Look out for the “other guy:” Occasionally, you’re going to be cut off or annoyed by another driver. Even though that person can’t hear your rants, your teen can. Remember to demonstrate safe, consistent driving habits.

6. Cover the basics: Have your teen adjust the mirrors and seat to comfortable levels, and spend time getting used to the controls and signals.

7. Supervising your teen behind the wheel: Everyone loves a discount. Spend 30 hours of supervised driving with your teen, and you’ll qualify for the Driven to Safety Discount. Start with daytime driving, preferably in an open space such as an empty parking lot.

8. Don’t confuse the issues: If your teen is taking driver’s education, don’t confuse him or her with conflicting information. Let that instructor be the guide, and remember to be patient.

9. Regroup with your teen: After a practice driving session, talk about the experience with your teen, and review what he or she has learned. Remember to be calm, clear and pleasant with your feedback.

10. Talk about challenges: These days, teens have a lot of distractions getting in the way of their focus behind the wheel. The No. 1 culprit? Your teen’s cell phone. According to Carnegie Mellon, using a cell phone while driving decreases brain activity by 37 percent. Stress the importance of putting away the cell phone while driving, avoid texting while driving and lead by example.

And for tips on what to talk about with your teen driver, check out our Top 10 Safe Driving Tips for Teens.

“Associations Between Parenting Styles and Teen Driving, Safety-Related Behaviors and Attitudes.” Pediatrics®. September 28, 2009. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/124/4/1040