#United States #Driver Safety #Teen Driving #Progressive Insurance #Mayfield Village

New Study Reveals Key Insights for Parents Supporting Young Drivers' Education

As young drivers take to the roads, it's crucial to equip them with the right tools for safety and confidence. A recent survey conducted by Progressive Insurance® highlights significant opportunities for parents and new drivers, particularly those aged 18 to 25 who have recently obtained their licenses. This study, released in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week, emphasizes that supervised practice time is essential for preparing young drivers.

The survey, which involved responses from 513 new drivers, found that those who spent more time practicing under supervision felt more empowered and ready for real-world driving situations. Experts point out that the secret to improving safety rates among teen drivers lies in these supervised practice hours. Statistical evidence shows that regular, supervised driving practice can lower the incidence of crashes by as much as 39% for new drivers.

Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, underscores the importance of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice in driver education. She advocates for a new standard where states mandate 70 hours of supervised practice to ensure that young drivers develop both foundational knowledge and practical skills.

The Survey Insights

According to the findings, a staggering 86% of respondents indicated that supervised practice was the most effective way to prepare for driving. However, the study also revealed areas of concern: only 11% of those required to take driver's education reported practicing with supervision for more than 60 hours. This marks a significant gap that driving education programs have the potential to enhance.

Interestingly, among those who chose to take driver's ed voluntarily, 14% managed to log over 60 supervised hours. Many of these individuals expressed a desire to become safer and more comfortable drivers, with 36% citing these as their primary reasons for enrolling.

Key findings from the survey include:

• - 65% of participants took driver's ed because it was a requirement in their state.
• - Drivers who received licenses at age 16 were more likely to complete 41-60 hours of supervised practice than those who obtained their licenses later.
• - A majority felt prepared for the fundamental rules of the road (56%) and safety protocols (50%), yet 30% reported feeling unprepared for highway driving, and 22% lacked confidence in accident avoidance techniques.

The Learning Curve for New Drivers

Lynn Rogers from the Driving School Association of the Americas notes that novice drivers often believe technical skills like parallel parking are the most challenging aspects of driving. However, instructors argue that developing hazard detection and situational awareness is equally, if not more, critical. Identifying potential dangers—especially when approaching intersections—is a skill refined with experience behind the wheel.

This year's National Teen Driver Safety Week serves as an ideal moment for parents and their new drivers to collaborate on building safe driving habits. By focusing on supervised practice sessions and prioritizing skills such as hazard detection, parents can significantly contribute to fostering a new generation of confident and well-prepared drivers.

For parents looking to enhance their teens' driving safety, resources and tips are available through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aiming to create a safer driving environment for all young motorists.

About Progressive Insurance

Progressive Insurance® has consistently championed consumer needs by making it simple to navigate car and home insurance. As the second-largest personal auto insurer in the U.S., Progressive provides a range of insurance products and is committed to driver education and awareness. Founded in 1937, the company offers innovative tools such as Name Your Price® and Snapshot® to make insurance more accessible and affordable.

In summary, this study highlights the critical role supervised practice can play in reducing accidents among young drivers, urging parents to engage more deeply in their children's driving education. By prioritizing safety and encouraging thorough preparation, we can pave the way for responsible and skilled drivers on our roads.