And there are high-tech solutions out there, such as tracking a driver's location via GPS-equipped devices and limiting a vehicle's top speed and audio system volume, a neat feature coming from Ford Motor Co.

But there's clearly a need for a more comprehensive approach to new driver education.

Site engages young drivers

All of which made a presentation by tiremaker Bridgestone Americas at the recent Chicago Auto Show particularly relevant. The company is highlighting its initiative to help drivers of all ages, with a special focus on newly licensed teens.

Bridgestone has grouped a number of road safety programs under a slogan 'Think before you drive' with a dedicated Web site, www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.org. This interactive site has a number of features including:

• An online video game that challenges site visitors to utilize safe driving techniques to keep their test dummies from becoming crash dummies.

• Videos demonstrating proper vehicle maintenance.

• Helpful tips on maximizing fuel efficiency through proper vehicle maintenance.

• Driver tips and facts, including some 'fun facts' about racing legend Mario Andretti.

• Driver safety contract templates for new drivers and their parents.

• Entertaining and powerful videos produced by teens for teens on the issue of driver and tire safety.

This last feature is graphically illustrated by three winning videos produced by teenage entrants in a Bridgestone-sponsored 'Safety Scholars' contest.

Aimed at drivers ages 16-21, the Safety Scholars competition is now in its third year and invites contestants to create short auto safety-themed videos. This year's videos did an excellent job of underscoring the perils facing new drivers and should be required viewing for trainees at schools across the country.

Contest accepting entries

'We know that car crashes claim the lives of more 16- to 21-year-olds than any other cause,' says Christine Karbowiak, Bridgestone Americas vice president of community and corporate relations. 'That's why we are fully committed to doing what we can to educate motorists -- particularly new teenage drivers -- on the importance of safe driving every time they get behind the wheel.'

Bridgestone's Safety Scholars program ( www.safetyscholars.com) is accepting entries for this year's contest from May 27 to June 17. The three top winners each receive a $5,000 college scholarship and the top 10 finalists win a new set of tires.

Creating a video seems like an excellent and engaging way of encouraging your teenage driver and his or her friends to focus on the challenges and dangers for novices behind the wheel.