As more details emerge over the tragic loss of six teenagers in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 10th, news agencies are diverting from the real story. Yes, the vehicle was stolen and the driver was unlicensed. However, time and time again we hear about the tragedies affecting thousands of families each year losing teenagers behind the wheel.
The events leading up to the crash were a combination of fatal factors that underscore the leading cause of death of teenagers today. Forget the fact that the vehicle was stolen. Having an SUV filled with eight teenagers on a rural winding road with an inexperienced speeding driver can only have terrible consequences or, at a minimum, drastically reduce the margin of safety. In addition, reports show that none of the passengers were wearing their seatbelts.
Today’s technological environment along with lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles, raises questions to how new teen drivers are ultimately licensed. Consider the technological advancements not available just twenty years ago that challenge driver attention. These include cell phones, especially smart phones with mobile text and internet access, MP3 players, and in-vehicle navigation just to name a few. Although these distractions affect all drivers, teenagers are much more susceptible to these distractions as they are statistically high users of smart phone apps such as texting and live social media websites.
Education And Legislation Of Teen Driving
Traditional driver education programs vary from state to state. Most of us recall a brief classroom and behind the wheel course. With the above stated technological changes and staggering loss of life in the 16-24 year age group, changes need to be considered. Some states have taken a proactive approach such as Pennsylvania by passing bill H.B.-9 that went into effect on November 28, 2011. The law limits the number of teen passengers in a vehicle operated by someone under the age of 18. The only exception is the inclusion of immediate family members. In addition to this, behind-the-wheel education has been expanded from 50 to 65 hours. 10 of the 15 hours must include night driving and inclement weather training.
There are other programs and advocacy groups that assist in notifying parents of these ongoing issues. These include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Teen Driver Source, multiple national and local law enforcement agencies, among others. Also important to remember is the National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW) which occurs October 20-26, 2013.
These programs and agencies have valuable resources to parents. However, it is up to parents to instill these habits and responsibilities into their children. In addition to these online resources, there are tools that help monitor driving habits and provide peace of mind as to the whereabouts of their children.
Vehicle Tracking Addressing Driving Habits
Handing the keys to a new teenage driver can be a stressful time for parents not only for the transitioning from childhood to adult responsibility, but the dangers they pose. Technology can also provide an in-vehicle advantage to parents of new teenage drivers. Both Passive GPS Tracking (recording) as well as Real-time GPS Tracking (live) devices establish driving patterns and even immediate vehicle location. This immediate access to their whereabouts and/or historical driving data provides peace of mind and insight to newly licensed drivers.
Individual’s here at GPS Tracking Expert believe what is clear in light of Sunday’s tragedy is that a national effort is required to address teen driver statistics and parents need to take a central role as well.
