Did you know...

• that automobile accidents are the number-one killer of 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States?
• half of all teen traffic deaths occur between 6 P.M. Friday and 3 A.M. Sunday?
• in one year that one out of every five teen drivers killed in crashes was intoxicated?

Pretty alarming--don't you think?

Here is some information for parents, to help ensure that your teen driver stays safe!

Giving New Drivers Needed Experience

Practical experience is key for a new driver. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the crash risk for teen-age drivers is the highest of any age group, and is the worst among 16-year olds. “When you look at the crash statistics on young drivers, the 16-year olds really stand out,” says Allan Williams, Ph.D., chief scientist for the IIHS/ “That’s because they are all beginners.” Williams adds that a combination of inexperience and risk-taking leads to many of these crashes.

Driver’s Education is Not Enough

Williams says studies show basic driver’s education does little to produce drivers who are less likely to be in crashes. “The problem is that there’s not a lot of time to teach more than basic driving,” he notes. According to Williams, driver’s ed is a good basic starter, but new drivers need to get a lot of supervised practice with parents under controlled road conditions.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety...

most teenage motor vehicle accidents are caused by:

• Driver error. Compared with crashes caused by older drivers, those of 16-year-olds more often involve driver mistakes.
• Speeding. Sixteen-year-old drivers have more crashes in which speeding is a factor. Many high-speed crashes are single-car accidents caused by the driver losing control of the car. 
• Passengers. Sixteen-year-olds' fatal crashes are more likely to occur when other teens are in the car. Passengers can distract the driver - usually by talking - and that risk of distraction increases with each additional passenger. 
• Alcohol. Drinking impairs drivers, and even though teen drivers are less likely to drink and drive than adults are, when they do their risk of crashing is much higher. 
• Night driving. Driving at night is risky for beginning drivers. Per mile driven, the nighttime fatal crash rate for 16-year-olds is about twice as high as the daytime rate. 
• Low seat belt use. Overall, teenagers are much less likely than adults to use safety belts.

How to Help Your New Teen Driver 

• Actively help your child learn to drive. 
• Limit passengers while your teen is driving. 
• Be a positive role model when you drive. 
• Restrict night driving. 
• Reinforce safety belt use. 
• Choose safety over style when choosing your teen’s vehicle.

Source: USAA Magazine, August 2003

Visit these websites for more information about teen driving.

Kids Health

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  NHTSA is the government agency responsible for ensuring and improving automobile and traffic safety.

Teen Driving.com  This site is full of tips for new drivers, especially teen drivers, to promote safe driving.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety  This organization is dedicated to reducing highway crashes, injuries, and deaths. It also offers information on driving-related topics such as airbags, teen drivers, auto accidents, speed laws, and underage drinking.

Drivehomesafe.com  This site for parents and teens who will be learning to drive, offers information and instructions for safe teen driving.