Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury for U.S. teens, and driver error is one of the main culprits behind these crashes. In an effort to reduce crash rates, many states have implemented Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) policies that place restrictions on young drivers, such as limiting the time of day they can drive and the number of passengers they can have in the car. However, even with these restrictions in place, teen crashes remain high and are a significant source of injury for this age group.
According to a recent study titled “Variation in Young Driver Training Requirements by State,” researchers found that many U.S. states do not have sufficient training requirements in place before allowing young drivers to obtain their licenses. While most states require both adult-supervised practice hours (ASP) and professional behind-the-wheel training (BTW), some states, including Pennsylvania, do not have any BTW requirements at all. This lack of standardized training can result in young drivers hitting the road without the necessary skills to drive safely.
Professional BTW training has the potential to significantly reduce crashes among young drivers. However, there are challenges associated with requiring this type of training. For example, some individuals may not be able to afford BTW training, leading them to wait until they are 18 years old to obtain their license when they are no longer subject to the training requirement. Others may choose to drive without a license altogether, putting themselves and others at risk on the road.
One possible solution to improving young driver training is the use of online training programs. These programs have the potential to increase access to training and reduce disparities in licensure and crashes. While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of online training, it could be a valuable tool in preparing young drivers for the road. Additionally, clinicians should advise parents to go beyond the state minimum requirements when it comes to their child’s driving training.
To help young patients develop their driving skills safely, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia now offers virtual driving assessments right in their primary care clinic. This assessment allows teens to test their skills, receive personalized feedback, and continue to improve their safe driving skills. By providing this innovative service, the hospital is taking proactive steps to ensure that young drivers are adequately prepared for the road.
The current state of young driver training in the United States is inadequate, with many states lacking sufficient requirements before granting licenses to young drivers. By exploring alternative training methods, such as online programs, and providing innovative services like virtual driving assessments, we can improve the overall safety of teen drivers on the road. It is essential that we continue to prioritize the training and education of young drivers to reduce the number of crashes and injuries among this vulnerable population.
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