Teen driving: practice and parenting makes a better driver

Possibly one of the biggest dangers to teen drivers is themselves.

That's why many education programs require teens to only drive with one other teen in vehicle while they are getting their license.

But, a lot can be done by the parent to prevent accidents.

Twin Falls Driver’s Education Coordinator Mark Schaal said, "The more experience you can provide these kids the better drivers they're gonna be. Hopefully prevent them from being in any type of accidents."

Schaal says in his 23 year's of experience as a drivers instructor, he’s seen the students who come in with some knowledge of driving a vehicle do a better in class.
He said, "It comes down to an experience factor as the bottom line, the kids that have been out behind the wheel or been on some type of vehicle, have some ideas about the control the speed."

This can go a long way when educating teens on how to safely operate a vehicle.
But now a days it’s tough to keep teens eyes on the road with more distractions than ever. Cell phones are the latest distractions for teen drivers along with there peers.

Schaal said, "Anytime you get 4 or 5 teenagers in the car socially energized environment, sometimes bad things are going to happen. they get to driving things teenagers do and forget about the driving task at hand that's when the problems occure."

That's why teen's are required to only drive with one other person their age for 6 months after getting their license.

But, according to new statistics, parents play a big part in keeping their teens safe out on the road.

SOURCE