It's one of the most eagerly anticipated times for teens: the day they earn their driver’s license. But that same fateful day usually is a cause for apprehension by parents . . . with good reason. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)... - Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.
- 16-year-olds are three times more likely to die in a crash than the average driver.
- 3,467 drivers age 15-20 died in car crashes in 2005.
- 23 percent of teen drivers killed in 2005 were intoxicated.
Parents should familiarize themselves with the risks associated with young, inexperienced drivers. How to Reduce Risk According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a growing body of research indicates that close parental management of teen drivers can lead to less risky driving behavior, fewer traffic tickets, and fewer crashes. Many parents tend to be less involved than they could be. The Graduated Driver License programs, introduced in many states, addresses the risks young drivers face by requiring an apprenticeship of planned and supervised practice, followed by a provisional license that places temporary restrictions on unsupervised driving in some higher-risk situations. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) allows novice drivers to gain knowledge and driving experience under the supervision of an experienced mentor. To find out more about GDL, along with tips for keeping your teen driver safe, be sure to visit these web sites: |