[A young teenager learning how to drive. Photo Credit to Pexels]

A new study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that teenagers in the United States are eight times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents during the first three months after obtaining their driver’s licenses compared to the three months prior to getting their licenses.

Published in the “Journal of Adolescent Health,” the study highlights an alarming increase in dangerous driving behaviors among newly licensed teens.

The likelihood of sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, or attempting sharp turns was found to be four times higher in this initial period of independent driving.

Teenagers with licenses pose a significant risk, but unlicensed teens are also involved in traffic accidents.

For instance, on October 4, 2014, in Irvine, California, a teenager without a driver's license caused an accident while driving a car, killing five teenagers and leaving one in critical condition.

A more recent incident occurred on July 3, 2024, when a teenage girl, driving under the influence, crashed into a tree, resulting in the deaths of three passengers in the car.

Driving is a crucial aspect of daily life in the United States, where teenagers can start learning to drive at 15 and a half after passing a written test.

This early start allows them to gain essential driving experience before obtaining their full driver's license, helping to prepare them for the responsibilities of driving in a country where personal vehicles are often necessary for mobility and independence.

If eligible, one must complete the Driver's License or Identification Card Application (DL-44), which includes their Social Security number and a parent’s or guardian’s signature.

All of these procedures and information can be found in the California Driver's Handbook or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

At American Driving School, students register after practicing for 40 hours with their parents.

They then receive seven driving lessons, each lasting two hours, from an instructor who comes to their home.

If the instructor gives the student a passing sign, a child can get their license after that.

Most American teenagers receive their licenses before the age of 18.

This newfound independence allows teenagers to drive to school and other places as early as their first year of high school.

However, this freedom often leaves American parents feeling anxious until their child returns home safely, given the common risks associated with teenage driving.

To mitigate these risks, laws restrict young drivers from having more than one friend in the car or driving after midnight until they turn 18.

Statistics show that about 3,000 teenagers lose their lives in traffic accidents annually in the United States.

In American society, driving from a young age is a necessity, making it important to emphasize caution and teach responsible driving habits from the outset.

Teenagers who drive or need to drive should follow the law, be especially careful not to be impulsive, and are advised to receive proper driving education.