The teenage chauffeur

An AAA report released Wednesday said teen drivers are almost as likely to be in fatal crashes in after-school hours as on Friday and Saturday nights.

Parents will be frightened by the findings. They may also -- secretly -- feel inconvenienced by them.

For generations, teenagers have desperately awaited their driver's license. Today, many ultra-busy parents are just as desperate for their offspring to get it.

A driving teen means Mom and Dad are freed from schlepping him to sports practice, a part-time job or a study session with friends at Starbucks. It means no more waiting in a cold car for a movie to let out, or making an emergency run to Kroger for posterboard.

Even better -- think of it! -- it means the eldest offspring can now serve as chauffeur for younger siblings. Mom and Dad don't have to cut out of work for 'early release' days at school or rush home for orthodontist appointments.

And it's amazing how quickly convenience -- 'Your sister will take you' -- trumps vague concerns about a teen's lack of driving skill or experience.

The AAA report makes it clear that teens are at as much risk driving to afterschool activities as to Friday night entertainment. That means 'Go slowly' is not only good advice for beginning drivers but for the parents who let them get behind the wheel.