Reminder to parents of important role in helping young drivers

As has always been the case, young drivers need not just lots of practice, but lots of guidance from experienced drivers (parents and guardians) before they get their driver's licenses and hit the road on their own. One would think that would go without saying, but Ohio officials are worried enough about a growing trend that Gov. Mike DeWine has announced a new media campaign to encourage parents to spend quality time helping their teen drivers learn safe driving skills. State law requires teens to complete 50 hours of driving practice with a parent or guardian before receiving their probationary license. But the Ohio Traffic Safety Office says parents are actually spending much less time helping their teens practice. "Research shows that many families do not understand the dangers that teen drivers face, or how to appropriately guide a new teen driver," said Emily Davidson, director of the OTSO. "This new awareness campaign combined with our other online resources are designed to empower parents with the tools and confidence they need to coach teens through one of life's important milestones – learning to drive safely and responsibly."If the reason parents are avoiding practice driving time with their kids is that they are worried about not being effective instructors, those tools may be helpful. But it is astounding to think there are parents out there unaware of the need in the first place. As the Ohio Department of Public Safety points out, we are in the "100 deadliest days" for teen drivers, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Last year there were 97 teen-involved fatal crashes in the state, with nearly 70% of those being the fault of the teen driver. Forty-nine percent of those drivers had their license for a year or less, and 34% had received no driver education. Teen drivers need their parents' instruction and guidance not just because it is the law, but because it could save their life, or the lives or others on the road. If you are among those who haven't been sure how to approach teaching your teen how to drive, visit otso.ohio.gov/programs/ohio-driver-training/for-drivers/parents-and-teens. Then, take a deep breath, remain calm, and go help your driver-in-training learn how to be as safe and responsible as possible behind the wheel. Ogden Newspapers