American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [233]
Irresponsible Driving
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of teenagers in the United States. Most teens believe they are good drivers. The main reasons for irresponsible driving are immaturity and lack of driving experience—the crash risk for a 16-year-old is more than twice that of an 18- or 19-year-old. Two out of three teens killed in motor vehicle crashes are boys. However, the crash rate for teenage girls is approaching that of boys.
The majority of motor vehicle deaths are caused by driving while under the influence of alcohol. One out of five teenage drivers has driven while drunk, and one out of five teens involved in fatal crashes had been drinking. Other factors in addition to drinking that contribute to motor vehicle injuries or deaths are speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and being distracted while driving. Three out of four teens admit to speeding while driving, and many teens say they rarely or never wear a seat belt. Being distracted can contribute to or cause a collision; cars carrying two or more teens are four times more likely to be involved in a collision than cars carrying only the teen driver.
Safe Driving: Tips for Parents of Teens Who Drive
To reduce collisions and injuries, many states are establishing graduated licensing systems in which full driving privileges are phased in for 16-year-olds. In the initial phase, the teen may be allowed to drive only with adult supervision, and parents must certify that their child has driven a specified number of hours (usually 25 to 50 hours) under supervision. In the next phase, the teen is able to drive without adult supervision but may be restricted from driving at night or from driving with nonadult passengers. These phases usually last about 6 months, but may last longer depending on the state. Many states require driver education as part of their graduated licensing system.
• Have your teen drive under supervision (with an adult in the car as a passenger) for at least 50 hours before letting him or her get a driver’s license. Observe his or her driving in all kinds of weather conditions and traffic situations.
• Establish rules early for safe driving. Take away your child’s driving privileges if he or she breaks a rule, especially if he or she gets a speeding ticket or causes a collision.
• Set a good example by following all traffic rules and by controlling your anger on the road.
• Have your teen drive a nonflashy, nonsporty car. He or she will be less likely to show off or speed.
• Tell your teen to call for a ride any time he or she (or another driver) is not capable of driving, no matter the circumstances, including drinking. Assure him or her that there will be no consequences or punishment.
• Remind your teen to follow all traffic rules—such as wearing a seat belt at all times, not speeding, not weaving in and out of traffic, and especially not drinking any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. He or she also should insist that all passengers wear seat belts.
• Remind your teen of the importance of focusing on driving and of avoiding unnecessary distractions such as talking on the phone, adjusting the radio or CD player, putting on makeup, eating, or looking at a map. He or she should pull over to use the phone or study maps or notes for directions.
• Discourage your child from driving or riding on a motorcycle. If he or she does, insist that he or she wear a helmet and other proper equipment or clothing.
Depression
Feeling sad or down every once in a while is normal, but being depressed is not a normal part of adolescence. Depression (see page 709) results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Some people are genetically susceptible to developing depression, while others may become temporarily depressed in response to a stressful situation. For example, depression sometimes develops during the teen years when a teen feels ostracized as peer pressure escalates and social