Each year more than 3,000 teens, ages 15-19, are killed on American roads according to government statistics. This staggering statistic has prompted automakers to develop teen driving programs to combat the number one reason for teen driver accidents - distracted driving.

Ford has developed the “Driving Skills for Life” program with the intent of educating young drivers on safe driving skills. The program focuses on four key areas that account for about 60 percent of all crashes involving teens: driver distraction, speed-space management, vehicle handling, and hazard recognition. This program gives students the opportunity to get hands-on training behind the wheel of the car. (About Driving Skills for Life.)

Mercedes-Benz USA has also developed a teen driving program to teach teenagers the skills and competencies for safe and enjoyable driving. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy implements policies to increase driver’s safety such as the Graduated Drier Licensing (GDL) rules. The GDL framework combines classroom or online learning with on-road training, mandatory supervised practice, and restricted driving privileges once a novice driver starts driving alone. (About the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy.)

More information about teen driving programs.