Young drivers face a lot of dangers on the roads, both from outside and self-imposed distractions. As if it wasn't difficult enough to drive safely, these new learners have to deal with adjusting to the basics of the road and acclimating themselves to some unfamiliar situations. There are a few things parents and other adults can do to keep these young drivers safe when they're behind the wheel, as long as they're ready to put in a little bit of effort. 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, although Memorial Day to Labor Day is the most dangerous time for teens to drive, they can be protected through a combination of safe vehicles, positive habits and heightened awareness. Taking a driver's education class may be helpful for these new motorists, as it provides information needed to make good, quick decisions on the roads, while learning about the dangers of distracted driving is also beneficial. 

Much of the work to keep a young driver safe falls to the parents. 

"Parents should consider whether their child is ready to drive," said Loretta Worters, vice president of the III. "… Keep in mind teens do not all reach the appropriate level of maturity to handle a drivers license at the same time. Parents should consider whether their children are easily distracted, nervous or risk takers before allowing them to get a license or even a learners permit." 

If you've decided that your child is ready to handle the rigors of the road, the next step is choosing a safe car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can find a number of vehicles that provide safety and security for drivers of any age. With a lot full of CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans, you can find the perfect vehicle for teaching a teen how to drive, as well as one that will offer plenty of comfort and quality performance. 

There is a negative stigma surrounding older drivers, but new research shows that the senior population of motorists is actually much safer behind the wheel than many believe. A survey of more than 7,000 seniors by AAA, the American Occupational Therapy Association and AARP found that more than one-third have made efforts to keep their driving skills sharp and nine out of 10 older motorists wear their seat belts every time they drive.

As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age at a rate of about 10,000 daily, many people have raised concerns for road safety because people's abilities to operate vehicles can deteriorate with age. Things like vision loss and slowed reactions times may threaten a senior's driving skills, but many older drivers are seeking education and training to stay safe behind the wheel.

"The silver tsunami is often unfairly dubbed as risky and dangerous. These data tell us that they practice safe driving behaviors and that more than a third of older drivers have actively sought out and participated in programs to improve their skills," said Jake Nelson, AAA's director of traffic safety advocacy and research. He also indicated that drivers in their 80s are less likely to get into accidents than motorists in their teens and early 20s.

The research group offers a program called CarFit as a refresher course for seniors. The initiative, which often takes place at community events, targets problematic areas for senior drivers. The top four areas of focus were improper distance from the steering wheel, improper seat height, adequate and safe views from side mirrors and improper head restraint height.

Older adults looking to get behind the wheel of safe, reliable used cars can check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, so it is easy for seniors to find the ride they're looking for.

As the economy rebounds, people across the U.S. expect many areas of the public sphere to improve, and this extends to transportation. In fact, the majority of American drivers believe transportation needs to be an area of focus for the federal government. 

According to a poll from AAA, about 62 percent of U.S. drivers think more federal funding should be used to fix public roads. These motorists recognize that faulty streets can lead to car damage and the need for repairs, as well as traffic congestion and accidents, and one of the only ways to decrease these negative occurrences is by investing in roadways. 

"Most Americans recognize the need for increased transportation funding because they drive over potholes and bumpy roads every day," said Robert L. Darbelnet, president of AAA. "Unfortunately … policymakers and transportation advocates are failing to connect with the public on the practical concerns that matter most to motorists. Motorists want to hear about how their elected officials can improve their daily commute by repairing the pothole down the street or the bumpy road around the corner." 

Despite the overwhelming desire to have roads repaired, the funding for these public projects is dwindling. According to Stateline, the National Highway Trust Fund is rapidly decreasing and may be wiped out by 2015. If the government wants to continue investing federal money in the roads, it will have to raise gas taxes, tolls or find a source of funds elsewhere. 

Until roads across the nation are fixed, drivers will have to rely on cars that offer superior safety features and dependability. There are many of these vehicles at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans available for purchase. Drivers can find automobiles that perform well and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for driving on roads across New Jersey and the country.