Almost everyone will have to deal with a teen driver at some point. It’s a fact of life that in this society you must drive a car, and most people will start when they are in their teens. It is a given that driving can be a dangerous thing for teen drivers. According to some recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 16-to 20-year old’s.
In a study conducted by Liberty Mutual it was found that older teenagers are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors than the youngest drivers. Also, according to the study, 75 percent of high school seniors feel confident in their short driving experience, confident enough that seventy one percent of those use their phone while driving.
Older teen drivers also drive with more passengers in their vehicles than younger drivers which increases the chances of multiple injuries if an accident occurs. Older teen drivers have been the focus of several studies including one from the Government Highway Safety Association. In a report published in October of 2016 the GHSA found that older teens are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than younger teens.
The answer to these sad statistics may come in the form of education. Graduated Drivers License Programs may be a way of reducing teen driving accidents. A Graduated Drivers License (GDL) system requires a more rigorous learning period before granting young people between the ages of 15 and 18 a driver license with full privileges.
Education programs may be a way of lowering traffic deaths among teenagers but it still seems that the best way starts at home. Teach your teens to be safe and responsible drivers and tell them about the dangers they can face when they’re not. A little good advice from a parent or trusted adult can go a long way in showing a teen how to stay safe behind the wheel.
