Although many 15-year-olds look forward to getting their driver’s licenses, they might be more hesitant to lend themselves to a shocking statistic.

Teenagers on the road make up less than 7 percent of all American drivers, but suffer more than 14 percent of fatalities and 20 percent of all reported accidents, according to Autoweek magazine. The driver fatality rate for 16-year-olds is nine times the rate of middle-aged drivers.

The ranking of U.S. traffic and vehicle safety is anywhere from fifth to 46th in the world, depending on the considered factors, behind countries such as Germany, France, Australia, and the Netherlands. The U.S. is particularly behind when it comes to younger drivers, for the equivalent accident rate in Europe is measurably smaller. The conclusion that the rest of the world does not share this problem to such an extent, and pertains specifically to America, is supported by this data.

What factors contribute to the remarkably high accident rate of teenagers on the road?

To begin with, requirements to obtain a European driver’s license are considerably more comprehensive and demanding.

Although specific laws differ from country to country, in most cases the minimum age is 18, driving instructors are licensed professionals, and behind-the-wheel instruction is exhaustive.

“People are put through quite an ordeal to get their license [in Europe],” said kindergarten teacher Else Hermans, who is originally from Holland. “After one year of behind-the-wheel lessons—which include instructions in tire changing and skid control—one takes a very difficult test, which is so comprehensive one usually has to take it two or three times before passing.”

Although the process might be comprehensive to an extreme, Herman believes the extra difficulty is worth safety behind the wheel. “The European instruction is very good in some ways to prepare technique on the road.”

Alexandre Tremeau-Bavard, who currently lives in Davis and is originally from France, believes his 20 hours of driving lessons and 3000 kilometers on the road with his parents “made me very confident when I was by myself on the road.”

The rigorous testing and driver’s education in Europe contrasts greatly with the relaxed atmosphere in the California DMV.

With less than 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 50 hours on the road with parents required, getting a California license is much easier than those overseas.

“I drove around the blocks a few times for my driving test and I was done” said senior Jared Gorton, when asked about his driving test. “My driving lessons were separated by three months or so, and the lessons themselves were not very informative.”

“My driving instructor [was always] pretty chill,” senior Lauren Evans said. “Freeway instruction is something that is considered optional.”

The U.K. follows the rest of Europe in its detailed testing of drivers. Although no education is specifically required, the chances of passing the practical and written examinations are very small. More then 80 percent of students enroll in driver’s education courses before attempting to pass the tests.

Well-mannered behavior on the road is also a huge part of British driving culture, something which is emphasized in driving school.

According to Larisa Valentin, ’87, who has lived in England and currently resides in Canada, “Lane discipline is very important [in the U.K], something which is stressed from the very beginning in driver’s education. You will be vilified in a way that you wouldn’t be on an American freeway [if you disregard these rules]. The British take queuing and lane discipline very seriously.”

Valentin believes the rigorous motor-vehicle testing ensures better drivers on the road. “I find North American drivers very ‘dozy’ and unalert compared to European drivers. British drivers are more aware of others on the road.”

Stricter regulations overseas help prepare teenagers to be on the road. But would drivers from the Country Day community be willing to meet the stricter, more demanding requirements found overseas?

“I would be mad if they raised the requirements in America”, senior Bao Lor said. “People need to get to their jobs and school. Although I do think the minimum age could be raised to 18.”

“I can see why more required lessons could be a good thing, but the process shouldn’t be discouraging,” said freshman Sarah Habbas.

But when considering the elevated accident rate of younger drivers in America, a change in licensing rules and regulations might be necessary to lower the ever-increasing accident rate of teenagers.