Obtaining a driver’s license is an exciting milestone for both the newly licensed teenager and their parents.
However, for parents this new independence comes with the fear that their child will remain safe on the road. Sadly, research shows that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2013, 2,524 teens were victims of fatal car accidents. Although this number shows a downward trend from a previous high of 7,000 teen fatalities due to crashes, there is still room for improvement.
Graduated licensing laws have contributed to the reduction of teenage car accidents. Through the graduated system, driving privileges are acquired through a three-tier program. Although requirements vary from state to state, the system typically consists of licenses for learners, intermediate and full licensing. Most states require learners to be supervised by a parent or a guardian for a certain number of hours. Moreover, many states have mandated that intermediate drivers have curfews due to the fact that most teen car crashes occur at night.
Research has also shown that the risk of a car accident increases along with the number of teen passengers. As a result, all but three states have limitations on how many teen passengers a newly licensed driver is allowed. New Jersey is unique because it requires learners and immediate drivers to display a reflective decal on their car to help police identify beginner drivers. Interestingly, since the implementation of the decal system there has been a ten percent decrease in teen car accidents.
Factors Contributing to Increased Safety for Teen Drivers
According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and the New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition, there are other factors, such as new technology in vehicles, that contribute to increased safety for teen drivers. Another important aspect of awareness and safety implementation is for parents to remain involved in their teenager’s driving instruction. This is increasingly important due to the fact that many schools throughout the country have eliminated driver’s education programs due to budget cuts.
Another aspect to consider is having a teen complete a private instruction course. Although these typically cost parents money, the knowledge and driving skills that a new driver gains are priceless. Utilizing new technology such as simulators has also been a powerful tool for teens to experience realistic road experiences. In addition, research has shown that the use of simulators in driving education has increased road safety.
Sadly, studies show that the first 30-90 days of independent driving by a teen are the most fatal. For this reason, parents must think of themselves as role models for their children when they are behind the wheel. This will increase road safety for all that share the roadway with new teen drivers.
