How Bad Do Teenagers Drive?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/teen-drivers-cars-crash/Story?id=8675882&page=2

A recently published article in the journal Pediatrics said that teenagers are twice as likely to get into a vehicle accident when they have their own car instead of sharing one with their parents. Dr. Flaura Winston from The Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia wrote an article about how parents that give their kids a car when they turn sixteen may be giving them too much freedom thus increasing their chance of having a car wreck. If they share a car with their parents, the parents are more apt to ask questions such as, where are you going, and who are you going with? She said this gives the child less feeling of freedom and makes them think more of what consequences they could get for reckless driving. She also says that in the beginning of teenage driving can be very essential for their safety by teaching them good practices, and making those aware of what risks are involved while behind the wheel. Of course, young drivers are not going to have a lot of experience, but what experience they do get in their initial behind the wheel opportunities will mold their habits for the rest of their lives.

I remember getting my first car when I turned sixteen. I couldn’t wait for the freedom I was getting ready to get a hold of. I have to admit that my parents were probably too lenient with me. (My driving record proves it.) I did quite a few reckless things with the vehicle I was given and am lucky I did not get into any major accidents. The funny thing is that when I got a chance to drive my parents vehicles I would follow all of the driving laws perfectly. They also wanted to know everything I was doing with their vehicles too.

I think this article will help me realize that when I have children I will second guess giving them a car right when they turn sixteen. I also believe that all the new state laws for young drivers will help a lot in the decision making process for our young drivers. I know that they have a lot stiffer penalties for reckless driving than a driver that has had a few years experience.
We all know someone who has been affected from a car accident and I believe that we should try to give our young drivers as much experience as we possibly can. Hopefully these new laws will save some of these teenage drivers lives.