The majority of novice drivers do not have sufficient practical experience to handle the complex task of driving when they are first licensed. One study found a statistically reliable decrease in crash rates among teens who amassed an average of about 110 hours of supervised driving practice before obtaining a license.
The risk of a serious or fatal crash increases dramatically with the number of young passengers in the vehicle. For this reason, in many states young beginning drivers are not allowed to carry more than a single young passenger during their first six months driving.
The vast majority (more than 80%) of nighttime crashes among 16- and 17- year-old drivers occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Because of this high risk, many states do not allow young drivers to drive at night for the first six months after obtaining a license.
The message for parents of young drivers: Spell out the dangers for your kids. It’s up to you because only 20 percent of schools offer driver ed today, down from 90 percent in the 1980s. “Every time you say, ‘You don’t start this car without a seat belt on, you can’t drive late at night,' you will be saving lives." Read more:http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/dangerous-teen-drivers/#ixzz2dEQguCbz
Dave Reed Insurance can help parents of young drivers with auto insurance. Call us at 850 494-2264 or 850 453-8555.