In South Dakota, you're required to have your instructor's permit for a minimum of 180 days (or 90 days if you pass an approved driver education class) before you can try for a restricted license or an operator license.

Use this time wisely. Try to gain as much valuable driving experience as you can. Gradually expose yourself to driving in different situations under different circumstances, such as in poor weather conditions, at night, during heavy traffic periods, and on the highways. Train your eyes to always be on the lookout for possible danger. Ask a lot of questions. Be like a sponge and absorb as much information as you can.

And, while in this training period, here are some facts for you to consider:

• The leading cause of death for teenagers is car crashes.

• Inexperienced driving is cited as the reason for most teenage crashes.

• 16-year-olds are about three times more likely to die in a crash as the average-aged driver.

• 16-year-olds have a higher crash rate than any other age of driver.

• About half of teenage deaths occur when there is another teen in the car.

• Death rates for 16- and 17-year-old drivers increase with each extra passenger.

• Half of teen fatalities occur at night, even though most teen driving takes place during daylight.

• Alcohol is a factor in 36% of all teen death driving deaths.

• Teens use seatsbelts less than any other age group, yet wearing seatbelts is the most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in the event of an accident.

These statistics aren't meant to scare you from driving. They're meant to alert you to the danger that is possible any time you get behind the wheel and turn on the ignition.

As a teenager, you'll face many obstacles to becoming a safe driver. You might be easily distracted (go ahead, admit it). You might be careless. You might be immature. You might think you're invulnerable, or that accidents only happen to other people.

But, the biggest obstacle you'll face will be your lack of experience.

Simply put, there is no substitute for driving experience. Even driving veterans still come across situations they've never confronted before. And, look at all the years of driving they have on you.

Among the things you'll encounter:

• Poor weather conditions (such as snow, high winds, icy roads, heavy rain, fog, and sometimes a combination of these)

• Construction zones

• Heavy traffic

• Obstacles in the road (such as animals, pedestrians, bicyclists or potholes)

• Careless, dangerous drivers

• Road rage

• Flying debris from trucks or other cars

And, that doesn't even include weird, out-of-the-ordinary things that'll just pop and surprise you when you think you've seen it all.

The good news is that chances are your reflexes and vision will never be better than when you are a teen. Use this to your advantage. Take things slowly, pay attention, and be serious about your driving education and your driving training.

And, always remember this: Your driving education and training never really ends.

Be careful out there.

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