Take the Keys, Accept the Consequences

Most of us take driving for granted. But driving is not a right. It's a privilege initially granted by your parents and eventually licensed by the state. You'll enjoy more independence but you also will be connected to your community in a new way, and the choices you make as a driver have major consequences.

Years as a passenger do not give anyone the skill, knowledge, or experience to be a safe driver without additional effort. Your family has a responsibility to prepare you for this privilege. In fact, recent studies find that teens demonstrate the safest driving behavior when parents remain involved for at least the first year.

Your preparation to drive should include:

• driver education at school, from a driving school, or by an experienced driver;
• practice sessions with an experienced driver, such as a parent;
• practice in varying conditions, roadways and times of day;
• a family agreement about mutual expectations and the conditions under which you are allowed to drive.

Your parents' responsibility to oversee your driving doesn't end when you get your license. Full driving privileges must be earned. As a driver, you must continue to build your skills so you make the right decisions under widely varying conditions.

Driving is a privilege you can earn – and one you can lose.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. A commitment to increasing your knowledge and skills will go a long way toward protecting you.

Next: Driving is only Part of Being a Driver