While many teachers complained that the later starting times cut into their personal lives, the majority felt more rested themselves and found more time available to prepare for the school day. A growing number of studies show that these early school schedules can undermine teenagers' ability to learn, to drive safely, to get along with others, and can even increase the likelihood of smoking and drug abuse. Those of us who routinely get 6 hours of sleep or less per night are functioning just like someone who stayed up 48 hours straight after getting 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis. Sleep deprivation is similar to alcohol in its effect on judgment, reaction time, and driving skill. And like alcohol, the teen or adult impaired from lack of sleep is unlikely to realize it.
Sleep deprivation is a problem for all drivers, but especially inexperienced ones.
Falling asleep at the wheel can also be fatal, for the driver, passengers, and bystanders. Smoking, Drinking, and Drugs. The same impaired judgment that can cause car accidents can also result in making bad choices. Teens use caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants to stay awake, and the more they use, the later they stay up, and the more tired they are when they have to wake up for school in the morning. Soft drinks such as Mountain Dew and Surge, have even more caffeine than coffee or cola.