Making roadways safer: A conversation with the Governors Highway Safety Association

As someone deeply committed to road safety, I’ve seen firsthand how distracted driving impacts families, especially teens, who remain among the most vulnerable on our roads. Nationwide® and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) have been strategic partners for several years focused on promoting safer driving habits and reducing distracted driving.  

I sat down with two members of the Governors Highway Safety Association, Pam Shadel Fischer, Senior Director of External Engagement and Daniel Zimmerman, Senior Director of Government Relations and Policy to talk about driving trends and ways we can all work together for safer roads. 

Parents’ top concerns for teen drivers

• Recent data from Nationwide’s driving behavior survey highlights real concern for teen drivers   

• 52% of parents worry about teens driving in poor weather conditions (rain, snow, fog) 

• 42% are concerned about distracted driving, such as texting or using the phone 

• 36% fear speeding or reckless driving 

• 34% are anxious about teens not knowing what to do in emergency situations 

• 32% cite driving with passengers or in peer-pressure situations as a major concern 

These numbers reinforce what I hear from parents and agents every day. Parents feel a mix of worry and responsibility when their teen is behind the wheel.   

Despite a slight decline in traffic fatalities in 2024 — just over 39,000 deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — young drivers are still four times more likely to be involved in a crash¹. 

The role of parents and agents in promoting safe driving

Parents play a critical role in shaping teen driving behavior by modeling safe driving habits and this starts long before teens get behind the wheel themselves.  

42% of parents rate their teen’s driving as “good” or “excellent,” which may reflect overconfidence rather than reality.²  

Concerned parents worry about their teens behind the wheel 

Nationwide’s safe driving solutions for teens and families

Nationwide offers tools like Smart Ride® and Focused Driving Rewards® because they give parents and teens actionable ways to improve habits. Encouraging your clients to enroll in these programs is important. They go beyond discounts to help change driving behavior and ultimately help save lives.   

1. SmartRide®: Usage-basedinsurance for safer driving 

SmartRide® offers real-time feedback on driving behavior and rewards safe habits with discounts. It’s a valuable tool for parents to coach teens and reinforce responsible driving.

2. Focused Driving Rewards®

Available to both Nationwide and non-Nationwide customers, Focused Driving Rewards® incentivizes distraction-free driving over time. Participants earn points redeemable for e-gift cards from popular retailers—making safety rewarding and accessible. 

Agents can help lead the safe driving movement

Agents play an important role and can take proactive steps to promote safer driving in their communities: 

• Share teen driving resources with clients  

• Host or support local driving safety events 

• Champion programs like SmartRide® and Focused Driving Rewards® 

• Advocate for safe driving laws  

Establishing yourself as a trusted leader in road safety not only helps protect your clients but also strengthens confidence, deepens trust, and drives lasting loyalty.