Concerned about teen driver safety? Driver’s Ed reduces crash risk

Concerned about teen driver safety? Driver’s Ed reduces crash risk

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.

Scary teen driver safety facts

Did you know drive smart georgia

If you are worried about teen driver safety, the facts prove that you have every right to be concerned. Because teen drivers have the least experience on the road, it’s no surprise that they’re more likely to crash or be hurt in a crash. Take a peek at these scary, but true facts compiled by Tenge Law Firm.

  • Car crashes are the #1 killer of teens, causing 33% of all teen deaths.
  • First year drivers are 1,000% more likely to get into a car crash than any other age group.
  • 95% of all car crashes are caused by driver error.
  • More than 40% of all teen crashes occur during nights and weekends.
  • 66% of teen traffic fatalities result from failing to fasten seat belts.
  • Teen driver distraction is responsible for 60% of teen car crashes.
  • 25% of teen drivers get into car crashes and the risk doesn’t drop until they hit 25 years of age.
  • 12% of teen car crashes are not related to recklessness, but simple inexperience.

Teen driver safety and Driver’s Ed

Reality ahead drive smart georgia

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.

Because teen driver safety is the primary focus of Driver’s Ed, new drivers who go through the program are involved in fewer car crashes and receive fewer convictions than those taught by mom or dad. Why? Because teens tend to listen more to professionals than their own parents. Yes, parents –it’s (sad but) true.

“This research confirms what conventional wisdom tells us – driver education makes a difference,” says Dr. William Van Tassel, AAA Manager of Driver Training Programs. The AAA Foundation also states that new teen drivers are more vulnerable than ever because of recent funding cuts to state certified programs.

Driver’s Ed focuses 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, they also demonstrated greater long-term knowledge over their peers who did not take drivers ed.

Driver’s Ed: Cost versus benefits

costs benefits road sign

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 a concerned parent 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.

Teen driver safety: The bottom line for Driver’s Ed

teen driver safety

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 $150 tax credit for a certified Driver’s program. 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 teen driver safety

teen driver safety Alan Brown

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.

Teen driver safety and online Driver’s Ed

Yes, it’s true. Online Driver’s Ed is cheaper than in-class Driver’s Ed and it satisfies Joshua’s Law. But does it teach your teen the necessary lifelong driving skills to stay safe on the open road for years to come? No, according to Mr. Brown.

Since Joshua’s Law was passed, the Georgia DDS approved online Driver’s Ed as an option. “I hate them,” Mr. Brown says of online programs. “Kids don’t learn all they need to from a computer,” he adds. “Plus, there’s no way to track who is really taking the test.” For these reasons, Mr. Brown highly recommends classroom Driver’s Ed versus online driver’s ed.

In conclusion

When it comes to teen driver safety, the best option for concerned parents (like you!) is the traditional in-class Driver’s Ed program. Most include the necessary 30-hour class and anywhere from 6 to 10 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 their 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.

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