Teen Driver Survival Tips

Parents of teenagers: I share your pain.


Recently, my 14-year-old daughter asked if I was frightened that she would be eligible for a learner's permit in a few months.


"Petrified is more descriptive," I replied.


With shock and appall evident in her voice, she said, "But I'm a GOOD driver." And, indeed she is. For several years, she has skillfully chauffeured me around the dirt trails of my hunting club. Also, she's usually the quickest, smoothest driver at the fun-park go-kart track. But, I told her, it's her judgment and decision-making skills that worry me.


One-in-five 16-year-old drivers has an accident. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Every year about 5,000 teens die in motor vehicle crashes. Petrified doesn't begin to describe my fear.