news-record.com

School-based driver's education programs haven't changed that much in the last 30 years. Dad and even grandad would feel right at home in the classroom or behind the wheel.

Rather than a case of "don't mess with success," the years-long status quo more likely can be attributed to "leave well-enough alone."

However, a task force assembled by the state medical examiner's office may propose changes to the legislature. And those may not set well with companies that hold lucrative contracts with counties to provide driver's ed instruction.

An overriding concern is the rising number of deaths among young drivers. Someone age 20 or younger dies in a vehicle-related accident in the state every three days.

Currently, driver's ed involves more in-class instruction than actual driving time. New technology, such as driving simulators that mimic popular video games, seldom is available.

One option is to follow behind other states and get out of the driver's training business. Only one in four California high schools offers it.

Worth noting is a Georgia study showing that teens who took driver's training had as many accidents as those who didn't. Critics say classroom time can be put to better use.

But opting out of school-based instruction would be inconsistent with the state's commendable efforts to tighten licensing requirements for young drivers. Getting and keeping a license or permit is closely linked to school attendance and performance.

Besides, parents may balk at arranging and paying for driving lessons, not to mention the stress of riding shotgun as Junior takes on city traffic.

Yet after decades of sameness, it's time to reassess. Changes should include fewer hours studying rules of the road, more road time and better use of state-of-the-art driving simulators.