Borgess Injury Prevention Coordinator Megyn Gose says car crash rates peak between 16 and 17 years old. She says that's the time when drivers first hit the road without any restrictions.
Two workshops are being held during this summer at Borgess for young drivers and their parents. Gose says they explain Michigan's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) and how parents can help their child be a better driver. She says it's important for parents to supervise before new drivers can go out on the road by themselves.
Gose says managing distractions such as music, texting, GPS systems and surroundings is part of the class. But she says it's also education for parents. Gose says children who see their parents text and drive are likely to emulate that behavior.
Asked about the biggest factors for new drivers, Gose says driving is learned skill. She says practice will make them better prepared to drive and for whatever situations they face on the road.
Upcoming workshops for young drivers and their parents are July 23rd and August 11th. Both are from 6:30-7:30pm at Borgess' Lawrence Education Center. For more information call Gose at 269-226-7075 or e-mail MegynGose@borgess.com.
