Stone and other teen-driving experts say that GDL programs sharply reduced teen crashes in states that implemented strong programs during the 1990s. Experts, parents and teens say that alcohol is not a factor in most young driver crashes. But even sober, experts say, today's new drivers face more complex challenges than their parents. They often have to master vehicles with widely different handling characteristics. And they deal with distractions from CD players and cellphones.
Teenagers also have a sense of invulnerability.
This often leads to bad decisions. Many parents deal with this by going beyond what's required by law. No driving on interstates. No more than two passengers. Violations are taken seriously.