The safety risk of teen drivers
Young drivers' limited experience and immaturity have proven to be a dangerous combination. The hazard is so great that car crashes are deemed the leading public health problem facing teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show 5,896 people between 16 and 20 years of age died from motor vehicle crashes in 2004. Another 456,000 were injured.
To make matters worse, the IIHS cites studies that have shown high school driver-education programs can even add to the problem because they put inexperienced drivers on the road at a young age. An IIHS report claims training and education don't change the poor decision making and thrill-seeking behavior common in teens.
Distractions & the use of alcohol, illegal &/or prescription drugs by teens are part of this picture. Parental oversight is often lacking while the schools are commonly blamed for this affliction.
There are many other sources of useful information regarding teen drivers including website listings, defensive driving programs & DVDs in "Take Back Our Roads--How To Survive on Our Streets & Highways," available at: http://createspace.com/3341679 (See Discount tab)