Putting a child behind the wheel of a car for the first time can be an emotional experience for any parent. Often lost in this haze of tears and anxiety, however, is an opportunity to educate these young drivers regarding all of the rules of the road they'll need. It's not enough to pass this responsibility off to driver's ed instructors – parents must do their part as well. 

Young drivers need practice
The AAA Foundation recently released a report in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week. In its study, AAA found that experience garnered in the driver's seat matters more than other factors, such as age, when it comes to safety. 

According to the organization, drivers who got their licenses at an older age were less likely to be involved in an accident in the first five months of their driving career. However, the data for teens was relatively flat – in fact, people who began driving at age 18 instead of 16 were more likely to be involved in a crash. 

"Turning 18 does not instantly make someone a safer driver," said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "This new research clearly demonstrates how important experience is to safe driving and suggests that graduated driver licensing laws may be beneficial for people that begin driving at an older age."

New Jersey laws help teens
Luckily for parents in New Jersey, the state has a plan in place for getting teens acclimated to life on the road. As one of the only states to have this program in place, New Jersey reaps the benefits of more informed, safer drivers. Still, parents of drivers at any age can pass on knowledge to their children to ensure that they're ready for the road. 

Local laws put young drivers in a position to succeed, but to remain safe they need the right equipment. That's where NJ State Auto Auction comes into play. Our lot offers hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could be ideal for a first-time driver. As an added bonus, we even have an in-house financing team on site. These experts are ready and willing to help you find the best deal possible, enabling you to find a high-quality car for your teen at an affordable price.