There is a newly recognized crisis facing our country – death and injury of teens on our nation’s roads. In 2004 alone more than 5000 14- to 17-year-olds died in motor vehicle crashes in the US and teens are at the highest risk for fatal crashes among any age group. When our country has faced other national crises, experts are brought together to share their wisdom and solve problems. These teams of experts are called “think tanks”. Teendriverthinktank.com is a 21st century, virtual think tank to save teens’ lives. If you have been invited to join this site, you were identified as an expert on teens, driving, or teen driving. You are part of an important group and we thank you for joining us. The Teen Driver Think Tank emerged after a teen summit hosted by State Farm Insurance Companies in DC on October 15, 2007 as part of the first National Teen Driver Safety Week. During the summit, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) met with the adult chaperones, most of whom were dedicated, talented teachers, about raising the importance of teen driving in schools. After two hours of sharing and discussion, we realized that these teachers often are the sole voice in their schools and how valuable collective wisdom can be. That’s where teendriverthinktank.com comes in: to continue this support, sharing, and collective wisdom on teen driving. It’s a proven fact: the safest road for a new driver is paved with excellent training, effective parents, responsible teens, and a supportive community. What is excellent training? How do we help parents become effective? What will make teens receptive to safety messages and teaching? What is needed to make a supportive community? What are the roles for schools, law enforcement, professional driving instructors, government, community groups, and churches? And what do we need to put in place to sustain efforts? We want to continue the ideas and opinions but cut through the clutter with experience and evidence. Please look at the rules and policies for Think Tank use. These are just a few of the questions that the Think Tank will discuss. This will be a site to pose questions, share advice and best practice, to react to each other’s ideas, and to respond to news and events. Thanks for coming along for the ride! —————————-

The Good News

3 out of 4 teens say their parents would be the best influence in getting them to drive more safely. Have you experienced this? What strategies have you employed to get parents more involved in their teen’s driving? How have they worked? Please share!!

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