Guidelines for Parents to Make Roads Safe for Teen Drivers

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among American teenagers. According to an estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1,963 young drivers, between age 15 and 20 died and 187,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2010.

As the country is observing Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct.14- 20), authorities from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the NHTSA joined hands to help prevent the occurrence and put forward some guidelines for parents to impose  the safe driving rules among their teenagers.

"As a father of four, I know it may seem that children - and teenagers in particular - aren't always listening to what we say, but they are watching what we do," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, said while explaining how parents, by setting their own example help in the creation of safe young drivers. "By highlighting the dangers associated with driving and reinforcing responsible driving habits and decision making, parents can help mold their teens into safe drivers."

The risky driving behavior of the teens and other particular characteristics associated with young age are the main reasons behind accidents.

"Immaturity, inexperience, and a penchant for risk-taking are the major reasons for high crash and fatality rates among teen drivers," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland added.

"In addition to comprehensive state graduated driver licensing systems and strong bans on teen cell phone use and texting while driving, parents who are involved throughout the learning-to-drive process are vital in creating safe and prepared young drivers."

Following are some guidelines from the experts for parents and caregivers of teen drivers:

* Understand and follow state graduated driving licensing (GDL) laws like learner's permit, intermediate /provisional license and full license.

* Educate the teen about the value of driving through a parent-teen driving contract and a clear cut policy regarding the consequences of violating the rules.

* Parents can set an example to teen drivers by switching off their mobile phones during driving and by banningtheir children from using electronic devices while driving.

* Try to avoid the combinations of teen driver with teen passengers and teen driver and night driving.

* Recommend the child to drive only after fastening their seat belts.

* Educate the teen about the risks of drinking and driving.

* Meet the supervised driving hours required for a teen, according to the state law.