New Research Offers Ideas to Keep Driving Teens Safe Car accidents are now the leading cause of teen fatalities. Learn more about recent studies focused on safe teen driving.

A recent study reported in the March 2000 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found a direct correlation between passenger count and fatalities in cars driven by teens. Reasons suspected include peer pressure to take risks and significant distraction from the road. Also compelling, the research shows that the risks rise with each additional passenger. Health advocates are encouraging parents to consider restricting teen drivers from carrying any nonrelative younger than 30.
http://www.lhj.com/lhj/printableStory.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/lhj/story/data/teendriving_05312002.xml

Another study led by a University of Maryland professor reports that new teenage drivers whose parents put restrictions on them in their first six months behind the wheel are less likely to report that they engage in risky driving behavior, even after the restrictions have been lifted. Read more: http://www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/InstAdv/newsdesk/releases/2001/01157r.html

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have implemented graduated licensing laws, which slowly mete out privileges that were once considered an entitlement. Examples of restrictions include driving during peak accident hours, driving during the night, driving during harsh weather conditions and driving with other teen passenger. Results show the laws are working. Read more: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/020408/health/8teens.htm

Oregon does not have graduated licensing laws but recent studies show that having a parent-teen driving contract can help you implement your own restrictions and keep your teens safe. For a research article on parent-teen driving contracts, please go to http://safetylit.org/week/new020107.htm. Find examples of teen-parent driving contracts at http://www.teendrivers.com/

Sate and local agencies along with parent groups, schools and insurance companies are urging parents to do more to ensure the safety of their teens. This site offers practical and straight forward advice on how to avoid common mistakes and keep your teen drivers safe. http://www.progressive.com/RC/DSafety/rc_teen_driving.asp

Beware of times when your kids are most at risk.

Take heed of the conclusions below based on 1998 Department of Transportation figures.

• One-fifth of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes consume at least one alcoholic drink before getting behind the wheel.
• Nearly two-thirds of the young people who die in car crashes are not wearing seat belts.
• Most teen crashes occur after dark, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Boys are at greater risk than girls; two out of three fatal teen crash victims are males.
• Teen drivers are involved in many more single-vehicle crashes than are other drivers.
They are more likely to veer off the road into trees, poles, or barriers.