Helping Teenage Drivers Stay Safe
 

Graduated licensing can help Teenagers perceive a driver’s license as a ticket to freedom. It’s momentous for parents, too. Though they often are aware of 16 year-olds’ high crash risks, they’re relieved not to have to chauffeur their children around anymore. But the price is steep. Crashes are the leading cause of death among American teens, accounting for more than one third of all deaths of 16 to 18 year-olds. An effective way to reduce this toll is graduated licensing. Driving privileges are phased in to restrict beginners’ initial experience to lower risk situations. The restrictions gradually are lifted, so teenagers are more experienced and mature when they get their full, unrestricted licenses. Graduated systems that are well designed restrict night driving, limit teen passengers, establish zero tolerance for alcohol, and require a specified amount of supervised practice during the initial phase. Graduated licensing laws have reduced teenagers’ crash rates in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, but not all states have such laws. With or without a state law, parents can establish rules based on the graduated model. What parents of teenagers can do: When parents understand the risk factors involved in letting 16 year-olds get behind the wheel, they can act to improve the situation for their own children. Don’t rely solely on driver education: High school driver education may be the most convenient way to learn driving skills, but it doesn’t produce safer drivers. Poor skills aren’t always to blame for teens’ crashes. Their attitudes and decision-making skills matter more. Young people naturally tend to rebel, and peer pressure influences them more than advice from adults.

Restrict night driving: Most nighttime fatal crashes among young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, so teenagers shouldn’t be driving much later than 9 p.m. The problem isn’t just that late-night driving requires more skill. Outings late at night tend to be recreational. In these circumstances, even teens who usually follow all the rules can be easily distracted or encouraged to take risks.

Restrict passengers: Teen passengers in a vehicle can distract a beginning driver and/or lead to greater risk taking. Because young drivers often transport their friends, there’s a teen passenger problem as well as a teen driver problem. Almost two of every three teen passenger deaths occur in crashes with a teen driver. While night driving with passengers is particularly lethal, many fatal crashes with teen passengers occur during the day. The best policy is to restrict teen passengers, all the time.

Supervise practice driving: Take an active role in helping your teenager learn how to drive. Plan a series of practice sessions in a wide variety of situations, including night driving. Give beginners time to work up to challenges like driving in heavy traffic or on the freeway. Supervised practice should be spread over at least six months and continue even after a teenager graduates from a learner’s permit to a restricted or full license.

Remember you are a role model: New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving. Teens with crashes and violations often have parents with poor driving records.

Require safety belt use: Don’t assume that belt use when you’re in the car with your 16 year-old means belts will be used all the time, especially when your child is out with peers. Remember that belt use is lower among teenagers than older people. Insist on belts all the time.

Prohibit driving after drinking: Make it clear that it’s illegal and highly dangerous for a teenager to drive after drinking alcohol or using any other drug. While alcohol isn’t a factor in most crashes of 16-year-old drivers, even small amounts of alcohol are impairing for teens.

Choose vehicles for safety, not image: Teenagers should drive vehicles that reduce their chances of a crash and offer protection in case they do crash. For example, small cars don’t offer the best protection in a crash including small trucks and SUVs which can roll over. Avoid cars with performance images that might encourage speeding.