A recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that 30,917 fatalities over the past 10 years were the result of crashes involving drivers ages 15-17 years old.  The lack of time behind the wheel and little experience often leads teen drivers to make mistakes.  It is a common approach that's typical in America of tossing a largely untrained 16-year-old the keys, this helps explain the high rate of accidents (and fatalities) involving teen drivers.  If we consider that the only requirements teens need to receive a drivers licsense is a few weeks of drivers ed and a thirty minute driving test, it is no surprise there is a problem with teen drivers.  There is a solution though – the teen’s parents.  There is a lot that they can do and they hold a responsibility.  The education can begin at 14 or so - explain the importance of safe driving fundamentals such as not following other cars too closely, proper merging technique, use of turn signals and maintaining "situational awareness" of one's vehicle in relation to the other vehicles on the road by frequently checking side and rearview mirrors, etc.  There's no such thing as too much training -- and the more your teen has before he or she turns 16, the better equipped they'll be to drive safely.  Another important point is that parents need to be good role models – provide an example behind the wheel that your teen can follow.

In the year that teens have their permit, ease them into every aspect of driving.  Start with short trips in familiar areas, at low speeds, in daylight.   Once they get their license the learning is not over.   A new teen driver should always have an adult riding along for at least the first month or two -- both to offer constructive criticism and to observe the teen's driving habits. By riding with your teen, you'll get a handle on how high (or low) their skills are.  As time goes by and your teen displays maturity and ever-improving skills behind the wheel, you can let them do more  -- allowing longer trips and night driving.

Be strict in punishment for both dangerous habits (such as tailgating and failure to pay attention) as well as any signs of rudeness or discourtesy toward other motorists.   There should be zero tolerance of immature/irresponsible driving -- as immaturity is one of the biggest dangesr facing teen drivers. Any behavior that suggests your child is not ready should be discussed and if need be, suspension of driving privileges.  A reckless driving charge -- or anything involving alcohol or illegal drugs -- should be an immediate loss of license.  As a parent, you have the right and the responsibility to set the boundaries until your child is 18. 

A greatway to encourage them to drive responsibly is to make them pay for their own insurance -- nothing prompts good behavior than being tied to the consequences of bad behavior. It's also a good policy to let your teen buy his own car -- for the same reasons.

Choosing a vehicle is also important. No SUVs or sports cars.   A first car should be easy to handle and drive.   Teens are subject to peer pressure and a flashy, fancy fast car may promote them  to do  moves they could end up spending a lifetime regretting.  A good choice for a teen's first car is a basic sedan or wagon in good, safe running shape equipped with all-season tires, air bags and ABS -- and a "basic" engine sufficient to get the job done -- but no more.

Although teens are responsible for obeying traffic laws and driving responsibly, parents need to play a big role in making sure this happens.  And it's not teens, who are neccesarily the cause of so much trouble. It's inexperienced teens allowed onto the road before they've been properly trained -- and adequately tested.  Many parents aren't aware or prepared to properly instruct their own kids.  Keep your child and others safe by educating them beyond what is required, select for them a proper ‘first’ car, and striclt enforce punishment for poor behavior on the road – this is one part of teen life that should not be taken lightly.