Accident statistics among this age group are frightening. Although the death rate for all drivers has decreased in recent years, those for 16 year old drivers has increased. The first six months seem to be the most important period for new drivers who have a proportionately higher number of crashes and traffic violations than do drivers with more experience. In response, many states are tightening their requirements for getting a driver's license. For example, some are raising the driving age, increasing the number of hours of driver's training needed, or lengthening the duration of new driver restrictions, such as the period of time each day that driving is permitted.
Parents also have a significant role to play in influencing the driving behavior of teens.
When a teen has a learner's permit and must drive with an adult, parents can closely monitor their progress. They should make it clear from the outset that their teen's readiness to get a license will be determined by their judgement that the teen is ready, rather than the teen reaching legal driving age. In making this decision, parents should also consider the teen's level of maturity, judgment, and decision-making, and his or her ability to handle other kinds of responsibilities like schoolwork and curfews. These are all crucial to evaluate because even though teens may have reached a state's legal driving age, many are not ready to handle the choices involved with being a careful and responsible driver. When parents determine that their teens are ready to get their license, a graduated plan of driving is often best.