Help Young Drivers Become Safe Drivers

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year olds, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school.

Immaturity and lack of driving experience are the two main factors leading to the high crash rates among teens.

Recently two teens were involved in a fatal accident. The teen driving was on his learner’s permit and left the scene of the accident. Before leaving the scene, his passenger, another teen, stopped to take a smiling selfie by the wrecked vehicle and then posted it on Instagram. The teen driver was later arrested for leaving the scene and violating the rules of his learner’s permit.

The National Safety Council (NSC) states that no state has laws are strong enough to fully protect new teen drivers. Household rules about passengers, nighttime driving and cell phone use can fill gaps in state laws. Parents can be a big influence and great coaches for their teen drivers. Set the example you want your teens to follow. The more you know, the more you can do to prevent these crashes.

Parental Resources:

• Parents Central – Safe at the Wheel
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Teen Drivers – Parents & Teens
• Distraction.Gov – Parents
• TeenDriving.Com – Tips for Parents