|
Teen drivers have very high risks of motor vehicle crashes and deaths. Last year, nearly 6,000 U.S. teens died from crash injuries. That's 32 percent fewer than in 1975. However, it's six percent higher than 2001. Rates have been steadily climbing since the all time low of 5,215 in 1992.
The crash risk of the 16- to 18-year-old age group is four times higher than the risk of older drivers. Risk is highest at age 16 - three times higher than 18- to 19-year-olds. When adjusted for the number of miles driven, teens are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than other drivers.
Why do young drivers have such poor driving performance?
- Inexperience
- Risk-taking behavior (especially speeding)
- Immaturity and poor judgment
- Greater exposure to risky driving situations, such as night driving
- Negative peer or parental influence
- Alcohol consumption
Your Child Will Drive Like You
Statistically speaking, your child will drive like you. Does that scare you? Maybe it should.
If you speed, run stop signs, drive recklessly, or drink and drive, don't be surprised if your child does too. Your child is watching, and will do what you do - not what you tell him to do, according to a study of more than 150,000 young drivers.
Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compared driving histories of drivers aged 18 to 21 to those of their parents. They found that, regardless of gender, the risk of incurring a driving violation increased more than 10 percent for every parental violation.
- Has your child seen you gesture wildly to show your displeasure with another driver? You're teaching them that road rage is okay.
- Do you frequently speed through red lights, joking that they're really only "orange" since they just changed from yellow? Brace yourself. You've upped the chances that your teen will die - and kill or seriously injure another driver by running a red signal or stop sign.
- Do you use your cell phone while cruising down the interstate? You're showing your child that a certain level of distraction or inattention is acceptable.
As the parent, you are in a prime position to show your child safe, defensive driving, as well as teach them how to make good choices.
What You Can Do
- First, model good driving. Begin now, even if you think your child is too young to notice the speedometer creeping above the speed limit.
- Insist on at least 25 hours behind the wheel before your teen can get her driver's license.
- Many insurance and highway safety organizations recommend graduated driver licensing, where new drivers have restricted privileges until they've gained much-needed on-the-road experience. Some states have implemented various forms of restricted licenses. You, the parent, can take the initiative to ensure your child is a responsible driver.
- Driver education may teach your child driving basics, but it doesn't guarantee your child will be a safer driver. Consider having your teen sign a safe driving contract that includes the following conditions:
- Restrict night and weekend driving
- If the weather is hazardous, don't let them drive without you until you're confident they can handle adverse conditions
- Limit the number of passengers
- Insist on seat belt usage
- Do not allow your teen free access to the family car
- Prohibit the use of headphones, cell phones, loud music, eating, or other distractions while driving
- Don't let your teen drive if sleepy or fatigued
- Clearly explain that driving is a privilege that will be lost if they drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Provide a safe car, not a high-performance sports car, truck, or sport utility vehicle. Find one that has a good crash rating. Then, make sure it is in good mechanical condition, that the lights work, the tires are in good condition, the windshield wipers give a clean swipe, the defoggers clear the windows, and there are emergency supplies in the glove compartment and trunk.
- Teach your teen basic roadside skills: how to change a tire, use jumper cables, and light flares.
- Tell your teen that you will provide transportation - no questions asked - if for any reason they feel uncomfortable driving. It may be an inconvenience, but an inconvenience is better than a fatality.
|
