Teenage Driving During the Holidays: A Hit or a Miss?

The school bell rings and studying -- at least temporarily -- is no longer a priority. Time for Christmas vacation. Within their own circle of friends, teenagers have their own holiday agenda: parties, shopping, movies, a chance to stay out a little, maybe even work a bit. They'll be more young teenagers on the road driving and given the time of year -- more accidents.

So why are young drivers more prone to disaster?

Cars are the greatest killer of young adults. Teenagers -- especially boys -- are involved in more accidents than older drivers and the accidents tend to be more serious (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Significant factors include driving too fast, risk taking, and drinking.

While experts cite the lack of maturity and experience among 16 - 17 year olds as factors for driving accidents, surprisingly many teens agree. The same study revealed that only about half of the 16 year olds view their fellow peers as competent behind the wheel.

So how can parents help their teens be a good driver -- Especially during the holidays? First and foremost be a good driver yourself. Teenagers model themselves after a variety of examples but the strongest may be their parents. What a parent does behind the wheel easily sets a pattern for children:

- Are you (the parent) a cautious driver or are you one who slides through stops signs and zips through intersections at the yellow light?

- Do you (the parent) treat other drivers with respect or do you curse at other drivers?

- Do you drive while speaking on a cell phone?

Take the time while driving with your teen to reinforce responsible behavior. Point out common mistakes that can lead to accidents such as passing at an intersection or not making a full stop.

More accidents happen at intersections than any other location. The second leading cause of accidents is tailgating. The thirds is simple inattention -- talking on a phone or to a passenger, changing a CD or applying make-up. Again, if you as parent are doing it, you are justifying the action to your children.