Teens and Driving

A driver's license is one of the biggest status symbols among high school students. Getting a driver's license is not only a social asset but it makes the adolescent feel more independent than ever before. Moms & dads no longer have to do the driving - the adolescent can get places on his or her own. Most adolescents count the hours and days until they can get their learners permit (usually age 16) and take their driving test to demonstrate driving competence. Some adolescents however, may be pushed to drive by peer or parental pressures before they feel ready. Moms & dads often have many concerns and fear for their adolescent's safety on the road.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), teenage drivers account for only 7% of the driving population but are involved in 14% of fatal crashes. Traffic crashes are the #1 cause of death and injury for people ages 15-19. In 2004, more than 7,700 adolescents died in motor vehicle collisions. Problems which contribute to the high crash rate of young drivers include: driving inexperience, lack of adequate driving skills, risk taking, poor driving judgement and decision making, alcohol consumption and excessive driving during high risk hours (11PM-5AM).

Learning to Drive (Learner's Permit)—

When an adolescent obtains a learner's permit they can start learning to drive with an adult present in the car to supervise and teach. In most cases the best way for adolescents to learn to drive is through a driver's education class. These classes are often sponsored by schools. In many states, completing a driver's education course results in reduction of the adolescent's automobile insurance costs. Private driving instruction is another alternative. AAA offers a training program (available on video or CD-ROM) "Teaching Your Teens to Drive: A Partnership for Survival". One teenager has even developed a website specifically for adolescents learning to drive (Teen New Driver Homepage - www.teendriving.com). Moms & dads are in a unique position to show their children proper driving skills and to teach proper driving choices. Adolescent drivers need to get as much driving experience as possible after they obtain their learner's permit. Lots of driving experience generally makes the adolescent a safer driver and eases the transition to driving independently. However, not all moms & dads have the temperament to teach driving. Moms & dads who find themselves yelling, making sarcastic remarks or being upsetting to the adolescent should ask their spouse, another relative or friend to help out.

The Driver' License (Driving Independently)—

When adolescents pass the official driving test they receive their driver' license and can legally drive independently (some states have restrictions on 17 year old drivers). Moms & dads, however, should not allow their adolescent to drive independently until the adolescent has sufficient experience and the moms & dads are comfortable with the adolescent's level of driving skill. Moms & dads should talk candidly with their adolescent about the dangers and risks of distractions such as music from radio/tape/CD player, passengers, eating food and using cell phones. Moms & dads should also discuss and demonstrate the importance of controlling emotions while driving (e.g. "road rage", drag racing, etc.). Adolescents should also be taught about the importance of defensive driving. Inexperienced drivers often concentrate on driving correctly and fail to anticipate the actions and mistakes or errors of other drivers. If the adolescent is taking medications (prescription or over-the-counter) or has any medical illnesses, moms & dads should check with their family physician about possible effects on the adolescent's driving ability.

Moms & dads should make sure that the vehicle their adolescent drives is in safe condition (brakes, tires, etc.) and working properly. The vehicle should have essential emergency equipment (flares, flashlight, jumper cables, etc.) and the adolescent should know how to use it. A cell phone is helpful for emergencies but moms & dads must stress that it can be a dangerous distraction if it is used while driving.

Concern about the number of teens killed or injured in traffic crashes has prompted state legislation to reform the way teenagers are licensed to drive. A majority of states have adopted the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with varying state requirements. Recommended by the AAA, the GDL has adolescents earn driving privileges in a three-stage process: learner's permit at age 16, a probationary license after 6 months and an unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Even though the driver's license allows the adolescent to drive independently, it is important that moms & dads establish clear rules for safe and responsible driving and rules for the use of the car.

Rules for New Drivers—

Rules for moms & dads to consider when adolescents begin driving independently include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous and should be strictly prohibited.
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts at all times.
• Headphones should never be worn while driving.
• Helmets must be worn when riding a motorcycle.
• Moms & dads should determine what behavior or circumstances will result in loss of the adolescent's driving privileges.
• Moms & dads should determine whether and when their adolescent can drive passengers. Some states have established a law that no passengers are allowed in the car until the adolescent has logged a defined period of safe independent driving
• Moms & dads should limit their adolescent's driving alone in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, fog. etc.) and at night until the adolescent has sufficient skills and experience.
• Moms & dads should not allow young drivers unrestricted driving privileges until they have gained sufficient experience.
• Moms & dads should work out when and where the adolescent is allowed to drive the car (e.g. to and from part-time job, etc.).
• Adolescents should be encouraged to take an annual defensive driving course after obtaining their license.
• Adolescents should not drive when fatigued or tired.

Supervised behind-the-wheel driving experience is the key to developing necessary habits and skills for safe driving. Moms & dads need to work with their adolescents to help them gain the needed experience and judgment.

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