Making our world a safer place.

Teen Driving

To teens, a newly acquired driver's license signifies freedom, power and status. For most parents, the milestone ushers in a whole new set of worries. According to the National Safety Council, 6,495 people between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2000—the leading cause of death for this age group. Although young drivers represent only 6.6% of the nation's licensed drivers, they are involved in 14.8% of fatal crashes. Unfortunately, teens wear their seatbelts less often than any other age group and nearly half of all teen traffic fatalities are alcohol related.

Facts to Know

  • Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death among children and young adults.
  • More than 3,800 young drivers age 15-20 are killed every year in traffic crashes. More than 326,000 young drivers are injured.
  • Young drivers are involved in fatal traffic crashes at over twice the rate as the rest of the population.

The Safety Council of the Ozarks offers two programs to assist teen drivers and their families with the transition to becoming a new driver. Our Behind-The-Wheel program for Driver's Education students in Springfield Public Schools and our Teen Driver program for parents of new drivers are designed to assist families prepare a safer teen driver. For more information on these driving programs, click on one of the links to the left.

Before you toss your teen the keys...

Suggested guidelines for parents:

  • Set limits on the number of passengers you will allow in the car when your teen drivers.
  • Require teens to tell you where they plan to go and what route they will take.
  • Start young drivers with short trips accompanied by an adult.
  • Let teens practice by driving part of the way on a long family trip or vacation under adult supervision.
  • Evaluate your teen's responsibility in other areas—punctuality, attitude, effects of peer pressure.
  • Be sure your teen understands driving laws, proper signaling and general traffic safety.
  • Require the use of seat belts.

Teen Driving Resources