| Teenaged Drivers Caution | The Toronto Star Wheels - 03/09/02 | |
|
Attention Parents: is there a newly licensed teenager in your family who’s just begging to borrow the family car? Well, your new licensee may have passed their official road test, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is totally prepared for life behind the wheel. Young drivers face many risks, and although your eager G2 driver may protest: “I know how to drive. I got my licence didn’t I?” perhaps before handing over those car keys you should be aware of some pertinent information.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death and injury to young people. Granted, graduated licensing programs, such as the one instituted in Ontario in 1994, have been effective in reducing teen driver collisions. In the first full year of the program Ontario saw a 31 per cent reduction in collisions for new drivers aged 16-19 and a 24 per cent reduction in the fatality rate. Studies conducted in other countries with graduated licensing, including Norway, Australia and the U.S.A, all report similar impressive results. However, while the graduated system does allow new drivers to acquire driving skills gradually in low-risk driving situations, accident rates for young drivers still remain high. Driving is a complex task. Lack of experience, along with driver immaturity, less developed vehicle control skills, poor hazard perception and reckless behavior has proven to be lethal combination for many young motorists. It is essential that parents to be aware of the inherent risks facing teen-aged drivers. The following is a roundup of research culled from recent scientific studies: DRIVER TRAINING: There is no convincing evidence that high school driver education courses reduce motor vehicle crash rates for young drivers. In fact some researchers have concluded that by permitting early licensure when a driver’s ed course has been taken, (in Ontario minimum time is reduced from 12 months to eight) accident rates actually increase because teens are permitted to drive at an even earlier age. That said, it may seem incongruous to suggest taking even more courses, however supplementary instruction, such as winter driving seminars, are beneficial for both novice and experienced drivers. FIRST FEW MONTHS/MILES ARE THE WORST Studies worldwide have found that the likelihood of a teen-aged driver being involved in a crash is highest during the first few months of independent driving. After 6 months the crash rates are 40 per cent lower than when the licence was first granted. The risk of being cited for a traffic violation is also highest during the first month of full-privilege driving. WHO’S ALONG FOR THE RIDE? The risk of a teen-aged driver dying in an auto accident increases with the number of passengers in the car. A 16 year-old driver’s chance of dying in a crash climbs 40 per cent with a single passenger, doubles with two passengers and nearly triples with three. Teen drivers are more likely to take risks (speeding, racing, red light running) when peers are along as passengers. SEATBELTS Seatbelt use for young drivers is well below that of older drivers. If a young driver doesn’t use a seat belt, it’s less likely that their passengers will buckle up. DRIVING DROWSY Many teenagers stay up late, don’t get enough sleep, and end up driving while drowsy. In one study over half of the fall-asleep crashes involved drivers 25 years old or younger. Driving while fatigued has been proven to be as risky as driving impaired. DRIVING DRUNK OR DRUGGED The 16 to 24 age group is most likely to be involved in alcohol-related crashes. NIGHT TIME The hours between dusk and dawn are the time of greatest risk. One analysis of crash data found that 41 per cent of motor vehicle deaths among teen-agers occurred from 9 pm to 6 am. Nighttime fatal crash rate for 16 year olds are about twice that of daytime driving, with the hours between 10 p.m. and midnight proving to be especially risky. A disproportionate number of the teen accident deaths and injuries to teen drivers occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. IT’S IN THEIR GENES Parents who have been involved in motor vehicle crashes or convicted of moving violations (speeding, follow too close, dangerous driving) are more likely to have kids who crash their cars or get traffic tickets. This is one instance where it’s best if a family tradition does not continue. In Ontario there are only two restrictions on a G2 licensed driver: maintaining a zero blood alcohol level while driving, and ensuring that the number of passengers is limited to the number of working seat belts. Of course parents are free to add their own conditions, some of which would be subject to modification as experience and trustworthiness are established. WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO? Sources: |