Even experienced drivers know how easy it is to be distracted. Fidget with the radio dial, check the cell phone for messages or get involved in a conversation with a passenger and you can be veering off onto the shoulder, or worse, into oncoming traffic.
For new drivers, just getting accustomed to all the variables that come with driving, such distractions are too often deadly.
Minnesota in fact, is one of the deadliest states in the nation for 16- to 20-year-old drivers, according to a newly released study. While teens account for only 7 percent of the state's drivers, they were involved in 14 percent of crashes last year.
One likely reason is that Minnesota has more lenient restrictions on young drivers than most other states. That's something that should change.
A bipartisan bill that would have put more restrictions on new drivers stalled in this year's legislative session -- another missed opportunity in a lackluster legislative session.
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The state did, eight years ago, institute a tiered license system that put some restrictions on young drivers. New drivers can't use cell phones and must complete a year of driving without an alcohol or crash-related violation before they can receive a regular license.
Minnesota needs a full graduated-licensing system for young drivers. Key to any legislation should be a curfew on late-night driving and limits on how many passengers -- outside of family members -- new drivers can have in their vehicle.
Minnesota is one of only five states without such restrictions.
One of the biggest risks for new drivers is having friends in the car. Young drivers are easily distracted and more easily succumb to peer pressure, which leads to show-off driving.
There are enough dangers on the highways for any driver. Helping new drivers face those dangers with fewer distractions inside their vehicles only makes sense.
