Driver's Ed for parents and teens.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. In 2006, teenagers were involved in more than 460,000 injury-related motor vehicle crashes and nearly 7,000 fatal crashes, leaving 3,500 youths between the ages of 15 and 20 dead, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the last decade, every state has passed some form of graduated driver's licensing (GDL) for teens. The goal is to provide young drivers a safe, gradual learning process, helping them gain experience and knowledge in a safer environment. There are 40 states that require certified driving hours, and most states require a six-month or longer holding period for a learner's permit.

Another tool some states are considering is increased parental involvement in the licensing process. Most states with certified driving requirements require parents or guardians to certify that their teen has logged the required hours behind the wheel. Today, some states are taking it a step further by requiring parents to attend a few hours of driver's education.

In 2007, Massachusetts passed a law that requires the parent...