Teen Driving Safety

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) — According to a new study released by AAA, parents are no longer preparing their teens to drive as well as they did 10 years ago.

AAA conducted a survey with 142 driving instructors and 65% said a decline in parental involvement has added to the challenges teen drivers face.

Caroline Johnson, with the Chattanooga  Department of Transportation, said parents have to practice what they preach.

“Be mindful of your own driving behavior. Do you follow too closely? Do you speed? Do you text and drive? No, if you exhibit that behavior of course they’re going to do the same.”

AAA recommends enrolling young drivers in driver education programs.

Johnson said Chattanooga had been offering courses for several years up until August of this year.

“The Tennessee State Legislature voted to outlaw unmanned speed cameras statewide. That is what has funded this program the entire time it’s been existence. The revenue from the speed cameras. We put together this program and over the past seven years we have seen a slow ,but steady decline in teen related crashes.”

Those who wish to enroll in a driving program can turn private driving lessons.

“More than anything is lowering the stress between parents and child if they’re out there. We may make little mistakes, but not the big ones. We share the road with the bicycles and the pedestrians, the animals, and just helping them be prepared mentally for the challenge and the responsibilities”, said Haman’s New Drivers instructor Dr. Roger Thompson.

AAA’s study also reveals that speeding, distractions like texting and talking, and poor visual scanning are the top 3 mistakes teens make when learning to drive.