Helping your teen become a safe driver

Most parents are nervous about their teenager driving a car. As a parent, you are right in your concern. According to the American Automobile Association, while they only account for 7% of drivers, teenage drivers are involved in 14% of fatal crashes. Also, traffic accidents are the number one cause of death and injury in teens 15 to 19 years.

Most teens learn to drive by taking driver's education classes, which are often sponsored through schools. While teens are learning to drive, they need to get as much experience as possible with another driver in the car. Not all parents have the temperament to do this, however. If you find yourself screaming at your teen or making sarcastic remarks, ask your spouse or another adult to help out.

Parents should not allow their teens to drive alone even after they obtain their license until they have had enough experience and until you as a parent feel comfortable with your teen's driving skills. Also, make sure your teen has enough experience driving in adverse conditions, such as rain or snow or at night, before you allow him or her to drive in these conditions unsupervised.

Some factors about driving that parents need to emphasize:

• Eating or talking on cell phones while driving or even averting your eyes for a moment to use the CD or radio can distract drivers and cause accidents. Headphones should never be worn by drivers.
• Drive defensively. Look out for other drivers.
• Make sure your car (tires, brakes, etc.) is in safe condition.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both dangerous and illegal. Riding in a car with a driver under the influence is life-threatening.
• Don't drive when you are tired.
• Seat belts must always be worn by the driver and passengers.