Obtaining a driver's license is a rite of passage for many teenagers in the Western world. Securing a license signifies independence and a big step toward adulthood.

Sometimes, teenagers chafe at the initial restrictions imposed on their driving, such requirements that they be accompanied by a licensed adult before they are issued a provisional license, restrictions on driving at night, and not being able to give rides to other teenagers.

When teens bring up the topic of driving, we discuss the following sobering statistics:

We discuss why teens are more prone to serious car accidents and that this is the reason car insurance is very expensive for teen drivers. Most teens rightfully identify that they are inexperienced drivers. Some suggest that teens like to show off to their friends and, therefore, may not drive carefully.

I point out that teens' frontal lobes require an additional decade of maturation........

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