Driver Education: It saves lives, reduces crashes

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, March 10th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE – (Information provided by ODOT) The first six months after obtaining a driver license tend to be the most dangerous for teenage drivers across the nation, but Oregon’s graduated driver licensing program has improved safety since it started in 2000. Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds.A national study shows teens who take formal driver training in Oregon have much lower crash rates. Yet only about a third of eligible Oregonians actually sign up for driving classes, saying they don’t have the time, money, or easy access to them. Oregon teens who took an approved ODOT driver education course have fewer crashes, traffic convictions, and suspensions. Find an ODOT-approved driver education course near you.