Dear Parents,

For many teenagers, getting their driver's license is one of the first steps toward independence and becoming an adult.  This is an exciting time.  But please remember, as you have been teaching your child about safety since the day he/she was born, now is not the time to stop that emphasis.  It is ever more important to teach your new driver the value of safety-first behind the wheel now that they are in control of a multi-tonnage automobile.

Unfortunately, the statistics are stacked against your teenager.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15-20 year-olds, and young drivers have a fatality rate four times higher than other drivers.  In Maryland, one-fifth of all traffic-related deaths involve young drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers are far more likely to take risks while driving due to their immaturity and their lack of driving experience.  They also face a barrage of high performance car television ads and movie trailers that glorify high speeds and drag racing.

I understand the statistics can be distressing, but with your guidance, your teen can become a responsible driver.  By working with your son or daughter on acquiring safe driving habits and skills, you can greatly increase the odds of their safety while operating a motor vehicle.

At this website, you can download a Maryland Driver's Handbook.  The driver handbook suggests many safe and defensive driving techniques while also pointing out important motor vehicle laws.  The knowledge that your young driver will gain from this handbook is necessary for the safety of all drivers. 

As both the Motor Vehicle Administrator and a father of two young drivers, I hope our children will not become one of the statistics.  I encourage you to impress upon your young driver the potential danger a car possesses and the importance of safe driving habits.

Sincerely,

John T. Kuo
Administrator