The crash risk is highest for drivers 16 years of age due to their immaturity and limited driving experience. A series of five research papers published in a September 2002 supplement of Injury Prevention address reducing
crash risk among young drivers. The papers make a compelling case for graduated driver licensing (GDL), system of laws and practices that gradually introduce young drivers into driving population. Graduated Driver License programs can be found in 31 states around country. The GDL program permit young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges and are generally targeted towards 14 – 17 year old teen drivers.
Most states require an adult with a valid driver’s license be present when teen is driving. Additionally teen driver is required to enroll in a certified Drivers Ed course and must hold a learner’s permit for at least 3 – 6 months before taking an “operators driving license” test.
It is during these 3 – 6 months when teen drivers with learner’s permits mostly drive family vehicle with their parents. While GDL programs allow teen driver to gain experience in a family vehicle with a parent, other drivers are not aware who is behind wheel of this vehicle.
