What’s the biggest health hazard for teenagers? There are a few candidates, but the clear winner is . . . the automobile.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 5,500 teenagers are killed each year in auto crashes, and about 450,000 are injured. Looking at the statistics another way, the crash rate among 16-year-old drivers is a whopping nine times the rate of the general population.
While drugs and alcohol are a problem, the biggest single cause of accidents seems to be inexperience. (Of course, drugs and alcohol exacerbate the problem of inexperience.) Inexperienced drivers tend to look away from the road for longer periods of time when distracted, especially by what’s going on inside the car. According to the Academy, eating, drinking and adjusting the radio or climate control actually can cause more accidents than cell phone use.
Many states have enacted laws to target the problem, such as graduated licensing programs and restrictions on nighttime driving. But the biggest influence on teenage drivers is their parents.
So, if you’re a parent of a teenager, what can you do? The Academy suggests a driving contract with your teenager when he or she first begins to drive. For example, the Academy suggests the contract include a promise to obey traffic and speed laws; drive only when not under the influence of alcohol and drugs; wear seat belts and insist that passengers do the same; and never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.
The driving contract should also include stiff penalties for violations – such as no driving for a specified number of weeks or months.
Starting out strict, then gradually giving your teenager more freedom as he or she demonstrates proficiency and good habits, gives your teenager something to work toward . . . and gives you some peace of mind.
Dr Mike
