NC Patrol reports decline in teen driving deaths; preparing kids to drive

North Carolina Highway Patrol is joining other states in reporting a decrease in the number of teen driver fatalities. The patrol reported on July 26 that it has investigated the deaths of 28 teen drivers so far this year. That compares with 47 such fatalities through the same period in 2009.

Researchers are attributing the decline in teen driving deaths to a multifaceted approach. The NC patrol officers worked with high schools during the spring to present Operation Drive to Live to educate student drivers about traffic safety. Officials said troopers would continue to monitor teen drivers as school starts in the coming weeks, to educate them about the dangers of irresponsible driving.

In Colorado, teen driving deaths decreased 44% and are attributed to the implementation of a Graduated Driving License. "Without a doubt, the GDL laws have been critical in saving teen lives in Colorado by helping them ease into the driver's seat by giving them time to learn to drive gradually without distractions from their peers," said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). "The state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws also helped reduce teen deaths by setting limitations and requirements on new teen drivers, including a passenger restriction, a curfew and mandatory seat belts."

A growing body of research indicates that close parental management of teen drivers can lead to less risky driving behavior, fewer traffic tickets, and fewer crashes. A safe driving committee recommended that parents spend at least 50 hours with their children driving. Jordan Driving School recommends double that amount and even provides parents with a training manual that includes a driving contract and a driving log.

Parents of tweens may think they have plenty of time before worrying about having their child behind the road. Driving time is coming sooner than you think, most states allow children to begin a Driver's Education program when they are 14 ½ years old.

Start preparing by monitoring your driving habits. "Too few parents realize what a critical safety difference they can make as role models, guides and a partner during their teen's driving experience," says Lorraine Jordan, President of Jordan Driving School, Inc. 

Look for other ways you can help prepare your child (and yourself) for the most positive driving experience. Greg Sieber, developer of Yield4Me, said "My wife and I have 2 teenage boys who we have taught how to drive. During the process we were amazed at how many aggressive drivers we encountered. We thought that if they knew it was a new driver, only 15 years old, at the wheel they would give them more space." From that experience, Sieber developed Yield4Me teen safety driver flags and magnets to alert other drivers that a new driver was behind the wheel.

What is your community doing to keep kids safe behind the wheel? Add in your comments below.