Helping a young adult learn to drive is simultaneously both exciting and terrifying for parents. Learning to drive is unquestionably a milestone on the path to adulthood for young adults. Independent transportation lays the foundation for moving away to attend college or beginning a career.
However, it also represents a drastic increase in a young adult’s risk of injury and death. Car crashes involving teenagers are relatively common. Wrecks are a leading cause of premature mortality among young adults. Teen drivers may be more vulnerable to severe crashes than other age groups.
Parents who understand why their teens are at higher risk of a severe crash may take better steps to limit that risk.
Teen drivers lack experience
According to federal authorities, the main factor that connects many crashes involving teen drivers is a simple lack of experience. Young adults don’t have enough practice handling different road conditions before they start driving on their own.
They may not know how to react if they skid on wet pavement or when a deer crosses the street right in front of them. That lack of experience can lead to mistakes in traffic that have tragic consequences.
Teens have reduced impulse control
Even the most mature and responsible teenager still has an immature brain. The human brain continues developing until the mid-20s. Young adults struggle to recognize the long-term implications of their choices. They can also be impulsive.
Especially if they have other young adults in their vehicle, they may be prone to foolish choices, such as exceeding the speed limit or giving into the temptation of digital distraction. Limiting how many passengers a young driver transports can help reduce their crash risk.
Parents can help keep their teen drivers safer by practicing with them as much as possible before they start driving independently. They may also need to consider what their children learn by watching them drive. Modeling safe behaviors can be as important as teaching teens how to drive through coursework and practice.
Parents who take the right steps can potentially reduce the risk of their teens experiencing major car crashes. Preparing young drivers for the risks of the road includes teaching them about how to respond after a wreck. Those who support their teen drivers as they learn safe driving habits may help them limit their risk of a crash or limit the long-term impact of a collision if one occurs.