Lectures and scare tactics by well-meaning adults have not yet
transformed this nation's teen drivers. According to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes
remain the leading cause of death for teenagers in America.
Through participation in a high school grant program called
Project Ignition, thousands of students have positively
influenced the driving behaviors of their peers and broader
communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Here's the advice
these students commonly share: * Designate a texter in your car,
and hand over your phone. Or, better yet, turn your phone to
silent and lock it in the glove compartment until you arrive
safely at your destination. * Use your head. Remember that there
is absolutely no text, song, call or distraction that is more
important than your life or the lives of others. * Drive
defensively by keeping your full focus on the road and other
drivers so you can react to changing situations. * Be prepared
with a strong, clear statement to stand up to a pee