Understand the Facts & Risks
Learning to drive and earning your driver’s license is a big step toward becoming independent. However, driving is a major responsibility that can change your life, or even end it, in a miash. When you know the facts and act responsibly, you can reduce the risks.
Get the Facts | Reduce the Risks |
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The first year with a license is the most dangerous period in a driver’s life. | Practice driving with an experienced driver, such as your parent or a driver training instructor. |
About two-thirds of teens killed in car crashes are not buckled up. | Always wear your seat belt, whether you're a passenger or driver. Make sure everyone in the vehicle buckles up, too. |
Rain, darkness and other driving conditions can create dangerous situations. | Ask your parents to practice with you in cities and on country roads, as well as in the rain, at night and in heavy traffic. |
Distracted driving can be deadly. | Make it a rule: if the car's engine is on, the phone stays off. Don't let other diversions, like eating, joking with passengers or fiddling with music devices, distract the driver, either. |
- StartSmart: Practice Driving – AAA’s tips for parents and teens about practice driving.
- StartSmart: Always Use Seat Belts – 63 percent of 16- to 20-year-olds who die in car crashes aren’t buckled up.
- StartSmart: Distractions and Driving – Read about the most common distractions, and get helpful advice for teens and parents.
- Driver-ZED – Offered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Driver-ZED is a computer-based program to help you practice driving.