Parents must do all they can to keep teen drivers safe

March is only days away, and with it the promise of spring and more outdoor activities.

Prom time isn't that far away, with graduation close on its heels.

It's a time for optimism about the future.

Too often, however, this time of year is marred by the tragedy of young drivers, killed, injured or permanently disabled by motor vehicle crashes.

In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for U.S. teens.

Distracted, under-experienced and overconfident teenage drivers have always been at risk, but today's technology offers new distractions.

Constantly connected to their peers via cell phone and text messaging, teens find it tempting to stay connected when they're behind the wheel of a moving car. Texting increases by 400 percent the amount of time a driver's eyes are not on the road, according to the National Safety Council.

Add another temptation, alcohol, so common during prom and graduation celebrations, and one can see why driving is so dangerous for teens.

Nebraska has already responded, instituting a graduated drivers license system that doesn't allow full priviliges at least until age 18. It's also illegal for teens on a provisional license to use a cell phone or other interactive communications devise while they're driving, and passengers are restricted while teens are in their first six months of driving.

Parents should have a clear understanding with their teen drivers about what is acceptable and what is not, and not hesitate to withdraw driving privileges if need be.

The understanding could take the form of a contract between parents and their young driver, and include rules such as always using a seat belt, never ride or driving with someone who has been drinking or using drugs, who can be a passenger and how many are allowed, and any other specific restrictions.

No, the parents won't be popular, but that will be far better than knowing they didn't do everything possible to keep their child safe.