| This recent headline, "Crash Kills 2 Monto Teens, Hurts | | | | force more and more program cutbacks, leaving |
| 4," put the focus on teen driving and safety issues for | | | | parents scrambling for alternatives and often taking on |
| all of us once again. Meanwhile, the facts speak for | | | | the task of driving instruction themselves. |
| themselves when it comes to kids on the road:o 2/3 | | | | And have no doubt: your job doesn't end once that |
| of fatal teen crashes are due to driving error-the result | | | | license has been issued to your child. Your vigilance is |
| of inexperience and/or distractions.o 16% of those fatal | | | | as important as ever and starts with knowing the rules, |
| crashes involve alcohol.o 40% occur at night, | | | | sharing them, and then enforcing them-kindly and in a |
| particularly between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.o Having | | | | supportive way. Loosening some of these restrictions |
| just one friend in the car doubles the risk of a fatal | | | | comes only after your child has gained plenty of |
| crash.o With 3 or more friends in the car, that risk | | | | experience--with a proven track record. |
| increases 4 to 5 times. | | | | 1. Until a driver is 18, s/he is not allowed to drive |
| Other culprits include cell phones-hands-free or | | | | between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied |
| not-speeding, drowsiness, and driving at night. | | | | by a licensed driver who is at least 18. |
| The biggest safety threat: not wearing a seat belt. | | | | 2. Initially, limit all after-dark driving. |
| Meanwhile, according to the National Highway | | | | 3. For the first 6 to 12 months, forbid any passengers, |
| Transportation Safety Administration, motor vehicle | | | | including siblings. |
| crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to | | | | 4. Don't allow your inexperienced child to drive in bad |
| 20-year-olds--adding up to more than 4,000 teens a | | | | weather. |
| year. | | | | 5. Establish a curfew and stick with it. |
| Along with such grim statistics, another troubling | | | | 6. Make sure all family members wear their seat belts. |
| headline is worthy of note: "Some schools are dropping | | | | No exceptions. |
| driver's ed to cut costs." And it's happening all across | | | | 7. Insist that no one drives under the influence, speeds, |
| the country. Some school districts still offer at least 30 | | | | and/or uses a cell phone, either for talking or texting. |
| hours of theory and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel | | | | Your watchful monitoring and guidance will make the |
| driving training. Many others, however,now only offer | | | | roads safer for everyone. No regrets. No tragic |
| classroom instruction--if that. | | | | headlines. |
| This trend will most likely continue as budget shortfalls | | | | |