New Driver’s Ed study proves a program produces safer teen drivers
A new Driver’s Ed study underscores the importance of signing up for a formal Driver’s Education program to keep young and inexperienced teen drivers safer on the road.
You worried when your child strapped on a helmet and learned how to ride a bike. Of course, you’re going to worry about teen driver safety when your child is ready to learn how to drive a car. As a concerned parent, you want only the best for your beloved child. Well, the facts are in: Drivers Ed is produces safer drivers.
Results of new Driver’s Ed study
The new Driver’s Ed study was conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Lead author Elizabeth Walshe, a research scientist at CIRP stated…
All novice drivers need the proper training that leads to developing the critical driving skills needed to avoid crashes.
Walshe and her team analyzed data on crashes among nearly 130,000 Ohio drivers, ages 16 to 24, in the year after they got their licenses. Ohio requires driver training and graduated licensing for those licensed before age 18, but not for those who get their license at 18 or older. The same applies in the state of Georgia.
Compared with drivers licensed at age 18, those licensed at 16 had a 27% lower crash rate in their first two months and a 14% lower rate in the first year after getting their license. Rates among drivers licensed at age 17 were 19% lower and 6% lower, respectively than those licensed at 18.
The researchers also found that among would-be drivers under 25, the most successful with the on-road license examination were 16-year-olds. Their failure rate was 22%, compared with 37% among 18-year-olds, according to findings published on April 25, 2022 in JAMA Network Open.
When researchers controlled for other factors, they found that for every month in the learner permit stage, there was a 2% reduction in crash rates.
In conclusion, the study found that driver training and graduated licensing significantly reduced young newbies’ risk of crashes.
Driver’s Ed Study by AAA
You may think that teaching your child how to drive is the safest route, but that just isn’t the best method. A different study by the AAA Foundation revealed that teens who go through a structured Drivers Ed program are safer on the roads.
You may think that teaching your child how to drive is the safest route, but that just isn’t the best method. A study by the AAA Foundation revealed that teens who go through a structured Drivers Ed program are safer on the roads.
Focus on teen driver safety
The AAA Foundation study revealed key differences between teens who receive driver education and those who do not.
- Driver education is associated with a lower incidence of both crashes and convictions – reducing crashes by 4.3% and convictions by nearly 40%.
- Teens who complete driver education programs not only scored higher on the driving exam, but they also demonstrated greater long-term knowledge over their peers who did not take drivers ed.
Cost versus benefits
The glaring and worrisome truth is that automobile accidents remain the # 1 cause of death for teenagers, yet fewer new drivers are participating in what used to be a rite of passage – formal Driver Education.
Why? Many parents think it’s costly, but it may be costly in other ways if your teen doesn’t take Driver’s Ed. It could save the life of your own child. What’s more important – another outrageously expensive prom dress or Driver’s Ed? The choice is clear, especially for concerned parents like you.
Ultimately, the most sure-fire way to get proper training is to go to the professionals, like Drive Smart Georgia. A Drivers Ed course teaches valuable road skills and knowledge of the law and establishes the foundation for lifelong skills. Your new teen driver deserves only the best.
Yes, it may seem like Driver’s Ed is expensive, but if it focuses on teen driver safety, isn’t it worth it? Plus, there are other benefits. The state of Georgia offers a scholarship program for qualified families. Plus, you can save 10% on car insurance for your new teen driver for three years, amounting to about $300 insurance savings. So, it really isn’t as costly as you think.
A champion for Driver’s Ed programs
Alan Brown lost his son in 2003 due to a fatal car crash. His son, Joshua Brown hydroplaned and crashed into a tree while traveling 40 miles per hour. Severely injured, the teen fought to stay alive for nine days, but passed away.
After a year of being in a very dark place, Alan Brown decided to turn his grief and guilt into a crusade to promote teen driver safety. He was responsible for passing Joshua’s Law in Georgia and 13 other states. To date, this law has saved thousands of young lives.
Mr. Brown is a huge proponent of Drive Smart Georgia. In fact, it’s the only driving school in the region that he endorses. He recently explained why by stating…
Not all driving schools are created equal. The people make the difference. These folks truly care. That’s why I endorse only Drive Smart Georgia.
In conclusion
According to the new Driver’s Ed study, when it comes to teen driver safety, the best option for concerned parents (like you!) is the traditional in-class Driver’s Ed program. It usually includes the necessary 30-hour class and six hours of in-car lessons with a certified instructor.
The key to a dynamic Driver’s Ed program is the ability to motivate students to learn. To reach students, instructors and teachers have to entertain the teens, while at the same time getting their message across loud and clear.
Once teens are relaxed, engaged and having fun, their willingness to learn opens up and they become little sponges sopping up knowledge (without even realizing it!). Teen driver safety is always the focus, but it takes a special school like Drive Smart Georgia to cut through the clutter and make a lasting impact on your new driver.
CLICK HERE get our free newsletter and teen driving tips for parents!
Related articles:
- In-car driving lessons prepare teen drivers to hit the road safely
- 5 reasons to book summer 2022 Driver’s Ed now
- Advice for nervous parents of new teen drivers
- What is Joshua’s Law? A guide for parents to limit teen driver dangers