Driving laws save teen lives

It's hard to imagine that some Utahns actually lobbied against graduated driver licenses for teenagers. The data from other states painted an optimistic picture — fewer fatal accidents among teen drivers, which translates into safer roads for all drivers.

A comprehensive study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health confirms that strict driving rules for teenagers saves lives. States with at least five restrictions on 16-year-old drivers reported 20 percent fewer fatalities. Nationwide, there are about 1,000 fatal crashes a year involving 16-year-old drivers. A 20 percent reduction translates into saving 200 lives a year.

Most Utahns are aware of at least one fatal traffic accident involving teen drivers that occurred during their lifetime. Imagine if that life had been spared through laws that ensure teens are restricted from conditions for which they are not prepared? Or if they had the benefit of considerable behind-the-wheel experience before they transported other teenagers or drove at night?

This new study, funded by the federal government, underscores the wisdom of Utah's laws for teen drivers, which include a primary seat belt law, passenger limitations, extended driving practice before a license is granted and nighttime driving restrictions. Unfortunately, some of Utah's laws have exceptions that would appear to diminish the laws' effectiveness. But these laws still are a good place from which to build.

State laws establish certain requirements. Families are free to create even tougher standards in their own homes because the lives of their teen drivers and/or passengers may very well be at stake. Teens may believe they are competent drivers, but they do not have experience driving in a wide variety of conditions. They should develop broader expertise before they are permitted to load up the car with their friends or drive extensively at night.

Parents must take it upon themselves to ensure that their teenage drivers get adequate behind-the-wheel driving instruction, even after they receive their licenses. For instance, a teen who undergoes most of his or her driver training in the spring, summer or fall will not know how to operate a car on icy roads. In other words, parents and young drivers alike must think of driver training as continuing education.

Fortunately, Utah has adopted laws that work to curb fatal accidents. There is growing evidence that these laws achieve their intended purpose. Between the laws and ongoing parental involvement, Utah teens will have double the benefit.