Mrs. Martin
English 9.2
February 19, 2013 Teen Driving Drivers education should be required and, along with learners permits. “In 2010, 58 percent of deaths among passenger vehicle occupants ages 16-19 were drivers.” These numbers are extremely alarming. Updated drivers ed courses and longer learning permit requirements may help reduce these alarming statistics, and decrease the crash rates. Drivers ed puts safer drivers on the road. The first few months behind the wheel made a huge difference in the drivers abilities and control of the automobile. ”…accidents were significantly reduced during the first 6 months…” ” Crash reduction rates go down about 10-20%, depending on control over outside variables.” Driving under supervision along with in-class learning is the best way to learn how to drive. “first 6 months is the greatest risk for any new driver.” IIHS research shows accident rates reduce 66% within the first 700 miles of supervised/unsupervised driving. “experience and maturity are the key to becoming a safe, road ready driver” Whiledriving with a adult, although may be annoying to some teen drivers, it is actually the most influential and helpful Next, drivers ed makes teens aware of drunk driving and driving risks due to other drivers. People ages 15-19 are at a greater risk from all causes. “Teens are involved in 14% of all fatal crashes.” “research continues to show that drivers between t15-20 are more often involved in alcohol related crashes.” Other people are the biggest influence on a new driver. “Peer, parental and personal infllueances shape the drivers perspective of driving” who is to say that experienced driver are safe drivers. Drivers ed is ineffective. There is no time for drivers ed. “to think this short term course is going to affect kids is kind of unrealistic” “we give a unrealistic task to the drivers education teachers, they cants control what the students do outside the classroom.” Teens in unmandates states drive without taking courses. “only 3 out of 10 students have taken drivers education courses” “ the NHTSA needs to “update” the system of driving rights. Lastly,teens that have had their permits longer, compared to new drivers, are less accident prone. The more Behind the Wheel experience you have, the better and safer driver you will become. Outside variables are accusable for