What do you think about potentially dangerous distractions such as cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, CD players and other teens in the vehicle?
A. Parents have to be very firm with their teens about such things. Cell phones should be used only when the vehicle is sitting still. The radio volume needs to be kept down. Portable players with earphones should not be used while driving. And as a rule no teen should ride with another teen whose license has been valid for less than six months. The crash risk for two teens in a vehicle is double the risk for a single teen. The risk doubles again for three teens — and again for four teens. A carful of teenagers constitutes a recipe for disaster.
