What are some ways to improve driver safety for teenaged drivers?

Answer 1

I think there are a few ways.

Compulsory requirements on the minimum number of hours driven before a licence is granted is a good idea (assuming your country has a Learner's Permit - where the driver can drive under supervision?) - generally there is an age limit or limit on time between Learner and Licenced - but there is no minimum on experience - so hypothetically, a teen could "learn to drive" with virtually no experience by the time s/he is let loose.

I tend to believe in defensive driving courses - I went to one when I was 17 and they REALLY open your eyes! I mean, as a young driver you're always told how small increases in speed have big effects, etc, etc...but you never really see how - so it can be hard to believe.
But the course I went to addressed that - they made us drive along at seemingly snails pace of 40 km/h (25 mph) with an instructor who'd yell "stop!" at a random point - at which point we would have to brake as hard as possible - then the stopping distance was measured from that point to a full stop...and it was something like over 12 metres often (36 feet) which I found unbelievable - but I saw how easy it could be to run someone over or rear-end another driver...from this FIRST HAND, REAL experience.

We then had other drills - such as hairpin curves repeated at speeds by adding usually 5-10km/h to the speed and seeing how easily a few extra km/h can take a car from controllable to spinning out.

We had road cones lined up - we were to approach them at a set speed, then by a marked distance brake hard. The cones were to simulate a "truck" ahead in the road having stopped fast. It was amazing to see the difference - a few km/h could really change it from stopping well short to truly plowing through the "truck".

Weaving exercises through cones were done the same way - increasing speed each time...same effect.

Also, the course track was made wet - and the differences shown.

I really do believe this kind of hands-on, practical demonstration was vital to my driving development - it really let me see, first hand, how the threats are real and as a young, impressionable teenage driver, I was shown basically what could happen easily - and learnt a valuable lesson that I haven't forgotten.

I think these courses should be subsidised by government and made compulsory.

I also think, back onto the subject of hours - that experience should be made compulsory in a range of conditions - say, wet, dry roads, night, passengers, etc.

Maybe instead of just one driving test - the student should be made to undertake, say, the main test and compulsory lessons with an instructor who'll test their competency in handling the wet, night, etc - only when s/he proves themselves on that can they be tested.

Also, not sure if it applies in other countries but here in Australia we have limits on younger licenced drivers - there is a 3-year probationary period we undertake - our cars are required by law to display a red "P" plate to "warn" that we are less experienced and there are stricter laws - we can lose our licences faster for the same offence that might end up with a fine from a fully-licenced driver. Plus, BAC (blood alcohol content) is required to be 0.00 from a P plater and L-plater - which is fair - a full licence driver can have up to .05 in Australia.

I find that displaying the P-plate does attract more police attention and I'm much more likely to be pulled over for a car roadworthiness check, BAC check, licence check, etc - but I think this is good, as it shows that the Probationary system works - the police accept that I'm a less experienced driver so they enforce the law tightly on me - so then I'll be less likely (and don't!) break the law - as I know it'll be detected. It forms good habits to be checked up on, I think, although some people I know find it intrusive.

Some states here also mandate lower speed limits for P/L plate drivers - though this can be a hassle for more experienced drivers at their higher speed limits, it is wise - as it lets us learn at a controlled pace - and others just have to deal with that as opposed to seeing the L/P plater as a slow nuisance.

Just my thoughts!

Answer 2

The only way I see is to up the legal age to drive. I see too many boys in cars on the freeway going insane speeds, weaving in and out of traffic. They are not only putting themselves in danger, but innocent people. Their immaturity, lack of good judgement, recklessness and arrogance needs to be dealt with severely.

Answer 3

w/the amount of teens using aclcohol and drugs increasing every year I would get a GPS tracking device

Answer 4

Take their dang cell phones away from them.

Answer 5

keep them off the roads....LOL