Page 74 - 2019 Auto Show Guide

By the National Safety Council

Teens are only human. Like the rest of us, when errors that lead to crashes involving teen drivers. Three out
we’re learning to do something, we’re bound of four serious teen driver crashes are due to inexperience.
The three most common errors, accounting for about half
to make common errors. Teens are no different of these crashes, are:
when it comes to driving. The old cliché “practice
makes perfect” may seem corny, but it’s true. 1. 2. 3.

LACK OF DRIVING TOO DISTRACTION
The safest — and best — way for them to gain experience SCANNING THE FAST FOR BY SOMETHING
is to practice with you riding along with them frequently, ROADWAY CONDITIONS INSIDE OR
monitoring their progress. Just 30 minutes a week with you OUTSIDE THE
as a passenger in the car can make a big difference. VEHICLE

Many states require a minimum number of practice hours
before a novice driver can get their license. Whether Make sure your teen has lots of practice behind the wheel
required by state law or not, the safest way for your teen – the more, the better. Start off driving during the daytime,
to continue to build driving experience and skills is for you but don’t cherry pick. Your teen won’t always be driving on
to ride with them as they practice for a full year after they a perfect sunny day. When you feel they’re ready, gradually
get their license. If you’re stumped on how to go about add practice at night, in heavier traffic and bad weather.
that task, don’t fret. Pointers for Parents has lots of tips and
practice guides for you and your teen. Pointers for Parents can be found at www.nsc.org/
driveithome/pointers-for-parents
Remember, it’s not whether our teens are “good
kids” or “responsible” behind the wheel. They
are new drivers. What matters most is their lack of
experience. Regardless of behavior, their grades
or other achievements, all teens are inexperienced
and subject to the same risks.

In April 2011, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Research Institute identified the most common

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