Teen Driving, Part 2 – Inherent Risks in Teen Drivers
In Part 1, we discussed the process of a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) and why it has been beneficial in keeping our teen drivers safe as they learn to feel comfortable behind the wheel of a vehicle. This week, we turn our focus to WHY our teens are at higher risks of crashes. Is it just because the are novice drivers? Or are there inherent risks for younger drivers?
Remember, newly licensed teen drivers are among the highest risk groups for motor vehicle injuries and/or deaths. There are several factors that contribute to this risk. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) calls these the “Eight Danger Zones.” Focusing on these and talking with teens about these risks as they start the process of learning to drive can make a difference in how at-risk they are. It may be of benefit to use a Teen/Parent Driving Agreement with your teenager, which defines the rules they must follow in order to have and maintain the privilege of driving.
Eight Danger Zones
- Driver Inexperience. Learning a skill as complex as driving a car can be overwhelming. The risk of a crash is the highest in the first year a teen learns to drive. This factor is one of the main purposes of having the GDL process for teen licensing. Practicing in different environments and conditions while supervised can help teens to become more comfortable and proficient while staying safe. If you live in an area with extreme weather or frequent hazardous driving conditions, you may want to take extra time with your teen to help them learn these particular skills. For example, here in Colorado we often have snow and icy conditions during the winter. Novice drivers can benefit from practicing in an empty parking lot, learning what it feels like to turn and brake on ice before there are other vehicles around.
- Driving with Teenaged Passengers. The decision-making skills of teenagers decreases significantly when they are with their friends. Unfortunately, this includes decisions they make while driving. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers were three times more likely to engage in risky behaviors while driving when there were multiple passengers in the car. Many states GDL programs have restrictions on numbers of passengers in the car for novice drivers. Make sure you and your teen are familiar with these rules, and set them for yourselves if your state does not have them.
- Driving at Night. This danger is not exclusive to teens – the risk of vehicle crashes rises across all age groups at night. However, teen drivers are still at higher risk than the general population due to their inexperience (see point #1). Practice nighttime driving as part of your teen’s GDL process, but make sure to set curfew limits for driving for the first 6 months after obtaining a license.
- Driving Without Seat Belts. According to the NHTSA, 47% of people who died in car crashes in 2017 were not wearing seat belts, and for teens this statistic is even higher. Teenagers who are rapidly gaining independence do not always make good decisions, and often this translates into choosing NOT to wear a seat belt in the car. Make sure your teen knows it is the law to buckle up, and the easiest way to stay safe in the car. Model good behavior by wearing your own seat belt every time you are in the car.
- Driving with Distractions. Again, this risky behavior is not exclusive to teens. There are many adult, experienced drivers on the road that are engaged in distracting activities while driving. However, it is again true that the inexperience of teen drivers makes them more likely to be involved in a crash as a result of distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, one in three teens admits to texting while driving. Texting or talking on the phone are not the only distractions for teen drivers. Playing with the radio, eating food, applying makeup, interacting with friends are all major distractions as well. Set rules for your teen in regards to distractions while driving, and follow through with consequences for breaking these rules. Model good behavior for your teen as well – avoid using your cell phone while driving, and keep your hands on the wheel.
- Driving While Drowsy. Teens require a lot of sleep but unfortunately most of them do not get it. A large percentage of teens have daytime drowsiness due to staying up late with homework, video games, working, or cell phone use. Daytime drowsiness is worst in the mornings and late at night, and can impact their driving ability during these times. Drowsy driving does not just mean falling asleep – it is a decrease in attentiveness and reaction time to situations on the road that can lead to dangerous situations for your teen. One of the most important things you can do for your teen driver is ensure he or she is getting enough sleep at night, particularly if driving to school in the morning or home from sports practice or work in the evenings is part of a regular routine. Recommended sleep time for adolescents is 8-10 hours per night.
- Driving Recklessly. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make poor decisions regarding speed, distance between vehicles, and road conditions. There is evidence that the speed at which teens drive increases as their comfort level behind the wheel increases. It is important to remind your teen to follow the traffic laws, specifically the speed limits, while driving. Again, this is an important area where you can model good behavior – follow speed limits, take extra care under hazardous road conditions, and follow the traffic laws while you drive.
- Driving While Impaired. Teenagers and high-risk behaviors go hand-in-hand as they push boundaries and explore increasing independence. This includes exposures and experimentation with alcohol and drugs for many teens. Put these behaviors together with driving, and you have a disaster waiting to happen. You MUST talk to your teens about impaired driving. Remind them that underage drinking and illicit drug use is against the law and they will face serious consequences if caught. In addition, it is never safe to drink alcohol or use drugs – including marijuana and prescriptions drugs such as painkillers- and then attempt to drive. Have a safety plan in place for your teen if he or she encounters these situations either as a driver or a passenger.
Learning to drive is an important skill for teenagers unless they live in a city with a robust mass transit system. For many, it is a marker for independence and part of the transition to adulthood. As with many rites of passage for your teen, learning to drive is associated with both risks and rewards. It is your job as a parent to help guide your teen as safely through the process as possible.
Resources
Teen/Parent Driving Agreement:
https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/pdf/PATK_2014_TeenParent_Agreement_AAP-a.pdf
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving
https://www.consumernotice.org/personal-injury/traffic-safety/teen-driving-guide/
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