Health Tip: Safety Basics for New Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash that results in injury or death than any other age group in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

Teens with less than 18 months of driving experience are much more at risk of a crash or near-crash because of factors including inexperience, excessive speed, distraction and use of alcohol or drugs, the group says.

The academy says doctors can help encourage safer driving by:

Counseling teens on seat belt use and the risks of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Encouraging parents to practice driving with their teens on different road conditions.
Promoting use of safe alternative routes to school.
Supporting later school start times to help ensure that teens get enough sleep.

Source: HealthDay