Earning a driver’s license has become more of an involved process for teens over the past decade or so, as a number of states have implemented graduated driver’s license (GDL) programs as a way to try to better equip teen drivers to safely operate motor vehicles.
Despite these programs – and the fact that fatal teen car accidents have declined by more than 60 percent since 2004, however, transportation officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have pointed out that:
These grim facts are not the result of teens not understanding traffic laws, officials say. Instead, as the NHTSA has explained:
Teen drivers have more fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity and lack of experience. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily - especially if their friends are in the car.
According to NHTSA officials, parents who take an active role in seriously discussing driving safety with teens, as well as those who set a good example by practicing driving safety themselves, can have significant impacts on their teens’ choices behind the wheel. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx elucidated this point recently by explaining that:
When parents model and reinforce safe driving habits, they equip their teens with the skills to safely navigate the roadways for life…Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about behaviors that will keep them safe, and those that create greater risk.
So, what behaviors should teen drivers focus on avoiding when driving?
As NHTSA has noted, the behaviors that are the deadliest for teen drivers – and that parents should discuss with teens – include:
Do you have a teen driver at home? Have you had a serious discussion regarding driving safety with him or her? Share your experiences with us on Facebook & Google+.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident caused by a negligent driver, contact a Littleton car accident lawyer at Littleton Lawyers™ to learn more about your options for financial recovery.
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