A16- OR 17-YEAR-OLD driver doubles his likelihood of having an accident by taking two passengers in his car. He quadruples it by taking three or more passengers, particularly teen passengers. Those statistics, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent group, are part of a voluminous body of evidence that underscores this arresting fact: For traffic accidents, the No. 1 killer of American teenagers, a key variable -- perhaps the key variable -- is the presence and number of teen passengers riding with teen drivers.

(Copied from an editorial in the Washington Post about proposed Maryland legislation affecting teen drivers. Given the source - the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety - I think this is a reliable statistic.)

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 09:40 am:

I just happen to have the IIHS web site bookmarked. Lots of great info!

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 11:22 am:

Very true - and it continues to worry me, even though the kids are 20 and 21. They have lost 4 or 5 friends in MVA's, alcohol was a factor in some, but these kids talk and play LOUD music, the drivers don't pay attention...it scares me to death.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 11:29 am:

Exactly why insurance for teens is very high! I'm not looking forward to when my kids are old enough to drive.

By Lauram on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 04:58 pm:

Ct has actually changed their driving laws to refect this research. In my opinion, it's not enough to do much- but it's a start.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 05:17 pm:

Laura, I wasn't aware of that and did some searching. I agree, it's a start. I also wonder how strictly it's enforced.

CT Passenger Restrictions for Newly Licensed
16- and 17-year-old Drivers

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 06:08 pm:

WI has rules for new drivers, too. I know that when teens have died in car crashes, they were often in groups.

By My2cuties on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 09:34 am:

that is exactly why DH says noone is aloud to ride with our dd's when they start driving. He is very strict about that!! priveledges will be taken away if they break this rule.

By Janet on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 11:16 am:

Illinois adopted a new law last year that prohibits a teen driver from having more than one passenger in the car (except siblings or their children) for the first 6 mos of driving, or until they reach their 18th birthday (whichever comes first). My dd will get her license in a year (YIKES!) and I just don't know how I'll deal with it.

By Kernkate on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:50 pm:

When my DS got his drivers license he was allowed only 1 person in the car with him at any time. He always respected this and it was never a problem.
I guess he knew our rules and how it is when you break one
Glad I am pass that age for another 6 years! Its always a worry when they first start driving and even now he has his car at college and I am still a nervous wreck!

By Dawnk777 on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 03:34 pm:

We are just facing this issue. DD turns 15.5 on February 4th, so she can take the test and get her temps. She already took the classroom portion of driver's ed!

By Peggy13 on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 08:00 pm:

Here in NJ, they have the graduated licensing - 16 a permit, 17 provisional license with only 1 other teen or brothers/sisters in car and curfew at midnight, then regular license at 18, but I believe they are changing that to not even getting a DL till 18.