Parents often worry about their kids’ safety, but they have good reason to be concerned when their teen gets behind the wheel. Young, inexperienced drivers are the most crash-prone drivers on the road. In fact, traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for American teenagers.
Know the risks
Risks that contribute to traffic crashes involving teens are:
- Impaired driving
- Too many passengers
- Driving at night
- Speeding
- Loud music
- Eating
- Cell phones
- Bad weather
Help your teen beat the odds
Driver education classes are just the beginning. Coach your teen about roadway hazards and safe driving principles. Don’t just talk about them at the kitchen table; get in the car together and see what your teen is doing.
Enforce limits
Chances of a fatal crash increase with each additional passenger, and the risks are greatest at night and on the weekends. Limit the number of passengers your teen has in the car and limit nighttime and weekend driving.
Follow the law
Most states offer graduated driver licensing (GDL), an approach that phases in privileges for new drivers. Starting with driving in less hazardous situations, beginning drivers are not allowed to drive at night or with teen passengers in their vehicle. Only when they have gained experience are they allowed to “graduate” to drive in these more risky situations. Parents need to be aware of the laws in their state and make sure that their teens obey them. GDL programs prevent about one in five crashes for 16-year-old drivers.
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