In a study analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. According to the same study analyzed by NHTSA, the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in one or more risky behavior when traveling with multiple passengers increased to three times. In fact, research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car.

Again, the law is not enough. As a parent, you need to establish and enforce ground rules: No extra passengers in the car.

What Can You Do?

• Familiarize yourself with your State's graduated licensing program, if there is one, and enforce its guidelines for your teen. Create your own rules if necessary. No extra passengers in the car.
• Set your own rules and consequences. Remind your teen that extra passengers cause distractions that can be deadly.

Bottom Line:

No extra passengers in the car.