Forgotten turn signals. Poor maneuvering. Erratic speeds. Almost everyone is familiar with these circumstances, as they are common among student drivers.

Although California law requires students under the age of 18 to have their permit for at least six months, this amount of time is not long enough to produce experienced drivers (dmv.ca.gov). A simple solution to the erratic lane changes, ridiculous speeds, and general obliviousness of pedestrians would be a student driver sticker.

According to an American Automobile Association (AAA) analysis, in 2006, crashes involving 15 to 17 year-olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide in medical treatment, property damage, and other costs. Not only do teenagers cause an unfathomable amount of damage financially, but motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in 15-20 year olds (saferteendriver.fuelclinic.com). By putting a sticker on the car of provisional drivers, other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers would be more aware of their limitations and would be less likely to become impatient and get caught in an accident.

“Student driver stickers are a necessary safety precaution,” said Junior Adrian Nesta. “We don’t want them running over little children.” Nesta obtained his license a few months ago and believes some sort of clear identification would increase awareness.

In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles does not require any sort of identification on the car of a student driver. However, in some other states, the law requires the recognition of provisional drivers. 16 year-old Kyleigh D’Alessio was killed in a 2006 car crash while a fellow teenager was driving. After the accident, her mother worked to evoke changes in New Jersey law. Kyleigh’s Law, which was passed in 2010, requires an 11:00 p.m. curfew, limits the number of passengers allowed in a car with a young driver, and oligates red decals on both the front and back license plates (nj.com).

Despite complaints from teenagers pointing out that decals identifying their in experience are embarrassing, studentdriver stickers are needed in that they might save the lives of other drivers and passengers. It would promote awareness of their lack of knowledge and encourage drivers to be more patient and cautious on the road. In order to help save lives and stop as many tragic teenage accidents as possible, student driver decals are necessary.