Being able to drive a car is considered a rite of passage for most teens. Each year, the number of teens who take driving lessons grows. This is not unusual as teens of today are more independent and are eager to drive a car by themselves when they reach the age of 16.
Additionally, many parents who can afford often give their children a car on their 16th birthday or when they graduate from high school. This has been a tradition for some families.
There are varied reasons that prompt these teenagers to drive a vehicle. These include a desire to go places, their parents want them to and peer pressure. A survey has found that 89 percent of these youngsters claim their parents had a major influence on how they drive.
Unfortunately, teenagers also make up the majority of people who get involved in car crashes each year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of deaths among U.S. teens. In 2010 alone, seven teens aged 16 to 19 got killed every day from motor vehicle injuries.
One of the main reasons for these car crashes is driving under the influence of alcohol. In 2011, for instance, CDC reported that nearly one million teens in high school drank alcohol and drove their vehicles. Other factors include failure to use seatbelts, speeding and getting distracted while driving.
Parents who want to see their children drive need to always ensure their safety. Constant reminder about the driving rules particularly about observing the required speed limit would help them avoid possible troubles when they’re out with friends. These reminders have to be given in a firm manner so your teens are always aware of their responsibilities while behind the wheel regardless of the time of day.
Source: CheapAutoInsurance.Org