Parents of teens who are learning to drive or have just received their license know that even if their child is a safe driver, there are a lot of dangers on the road – particularly during Minnesota’s brutal winters. They need to constantly be aware of what’s happening around them and what other drivers are doing.
Inexperience often leads teens to be involved in a disproportionate number of crashes, rather than their own actions or negligence. In 2023, only 6% of licensed drivers in Minnesota were teens, but they were involved in 11% of crashes reported. Numbers from as recently as this past October, however, do show a decline in teen fatalities by 18%. Of course, statistics (whether positive or negative) can’t stop parents from worrying about their teens.
How high-tech driving simulators prepare teens for real-life dangers
The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) is using high-tech driving simulators to help new teen drivers get a more realistic look at the effects of common distractions, like incoming calls and messages as well as being under the influence without actually being behind the wheel.
The MSP brings them to schools and other places so that teens can try them out. Through interactive lessons, they show how quickly an unexpected hazard or move from another driver can cause a crash, how distracting it is to get notifications of calls via onboard systems and even how the road looks after a few drinks. Teens can also be thrown off by other distractions, including music and passengers.
One MSP trooper notes, “Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Minnesota and across the U.S., and nearly all of those crashes are preventable.” He adds, “New drivers don’t yet have the skills experienced drivers develop over time, so extra guidance and practice matter.”
Safety experts agree that when parents model safe driving – especially when they do it long before their child reaches driving age – teens are more likely to engage in safe driving habits.
Other drivers can be at fault for crashes involving teens
As noted, many crashes that injure and kill teens are caused by other drivers. That’s why you shouldn’t let your teen take the blame for a crash that was largely or solely someone else’s fault.
Fault makes a big difference not only in their driving record but, more importantly, in the amount of compensation they can get for medical bills and other expenses and damages. That’s why it’s important to get sound legal guidance as soon as possible.