Making Sure Teens Are Ready to Drive.

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Turning 16 has traditionally been a significant rite of passage for teens, signaling newfound freedom in the form of a driver's license.

But, worried about safety states are rapidly making life harder for teen drivers by imposing tougher restrictions on licensing.

Thirty-nine states have some form of graduated licensing for teens. These licenses require more on-the-road driving experience in lower risk settings, a longer learning time and a gradual introduction to more difficult driving situations.

Safety advocates recommend a three-tiered systems a learner's phase of at least six months; an intermediate phase of at least six months that also restricts unsupervised nighttime driving and carrying a certain number and type of passengers; and full licensure.

Graduated licensing includes a minimum amount of supervised driving practice during the first phase. Several states require 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those at night. Illinois requires 25 hours and Massachusetts, 12.

The nighttime driving restriction is a key element, according to safety advocates. Because night driving is more difficult, the risk of fatal crashes at night for all drivers is approximately 30 to 40 times greater than during the day. The fatal risk for teen drivers at night is even higher.

Believing that teen passengers can distract teen drivers, eight states impose a restriction on the number of passengers that teens can have in the car...

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