When a teenager turns 16 years old, they are always excited to get their drivers license. However, teenagers are involved in more driving accidents than any other age group.

Being inexperienced is the main cause for teenagers being so at risk for getting into accidents. Even though 16 to 19 year olds only make up 5.3% of the driving population in the country, they are involved in 13.3% of all of the traffic accidents and 11% of fatal crashes.

“Graduated licensing” is a program that is aimed at protecting teenage drivers. Even though, the age of licensing is the same, full driving privileges are granted to teenage drivers gradually.

The program is started with a learner’s permit, where they can only drive with a licensed driver being with them. Next, comes the intermediate stage. In this stage, teenagers can drive during the daytime by themselves and at night they are not allowed to drive from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. without a licensed driver in the car with them. The last stage is the advanced stage. This stage allows teenagers to drive without restrictions.

The graduated licensing program is helpful in keeping teenage drivers safe and allowing them to gain experience progressively. However, teenagers also need to be protected by being signed up with a roadside assistance program that will aid them if their car breaks down and they get stuck on the side of the road.