The NY Times reported that car crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, motor vehicle accidents contribute to the deaths of 5,500 teenage drivers or passengers each year. The crash rate among 16-year-olds per million miles driven is almost nine times the rate of the general population. The academy has recommended that parents implement a strict driving contract until teenagers demonstrate an ability to drive responsibly.
The contract is a fine idea. Make sure your kids understand the risks of driving. It can be very dangerous. They need to learn this and hear this from you.
Of course, this is also why you want to carry as much liability and uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford!