Young drivers are dangerous because young drivers are inexperienced. In Utah, almost one-third of all motor vehicle crashes are teenage drivers, but teens represent only 9.4% of licensed drivers, according to the University of Utah's Crash Outcome Data Evaluation Systems.
With similar statistics across the country, states are developing programs that prolong the permit stage for drivers beyond the typical age of 16. These 'graduated licenses' set limitations on new drivers, such as driving at night, the number of passengers in the vehicle and a time frame with no traffic violations, before they can obtain a full driver's license.
Intended to reduce teenage traffic accidents, graduated license programs can be very effective, but they should not unduly burden families that rely on teenage drivers.
Most parents dread the training and look forward to the day when their teens gain a license and will gladly run to the store on any little errand and take their siblings to soccer practice without complaint. Especially in this busy world, parents who work cannot drive their teens everywhere. Having a child who drives can relieve parents of much stress.
Graduated licenses reduce accidents among 16 year-olds, but studies do not yet show whether they increase accidents among 17-, 18- and 19-year-old drivers. Young drivers need experience, and excessive limitations may reduce the hours they drive, therefore reducing the amount of practice they acquire.
Many states, including Utah, require new drivers to log 30 additional driving hours with an adult after they pass the initial driving test to receive their official license. Studies say these 30 additional hours of supervision help reduce the number of teen accidents.
Utah Legislators have proposed a graduated license system that would prohibit teen drivers from transporting passengers under 18 for the first six months of their license, unless adult supervised. The AAA of Utah said crashes were twice as likely to be fatal when the teenage driver's vehicle contained four or more occupants. They also said the number of speeding citations given to teen drivers increased with the number of passengers in the car.
This makes a lot of sense. Teens tend to show-off, get distracted, and make impulsive decisions when they are with their friends. Driving is not a good situation for that, but after six months those restrictions won't apply. But will teens be better prepared to handle such situations, or will they just make their mistakes later on?
Graduated license programs seem helpful, but they may also create more hassle for teens and parents. Instead of trying to implement even more regulations on drivers after they have taken a driving test, more time should be spent with teens during their permit stage. Providing additional driving time in driver education courses and setting a higher standard for driving tests may be more beneficial than simply delaying driving experience.